Lewis Hamilton has recalled fond memories of 🎀watching Michael Schumacher driving for Ferrari as he prepares to follow in his footsteps.

Hamilton will swap Mercedes for Ferrari next year, for what is likely to be the final chapter oꦍf his legendary F1 career.

Hamilton and Ferrari are the sport’s most su🐓ccessful driver and most successful team.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions from the moment I si𒁃gned the contract - telling my boss, that was terrifying,” Hamilton .

“But it is so exciܫting because I reme🎶mber as a kid watching Michael.

“Every dr꧂iver watches that car and you’re like, ‘What would it be like to sit ꦓin the red cockpit?’”

S😼chumacher led a golden era for Ferrari wit💝h Jean Todt as his team principal.

The iconic German driver won five championships in a row w🤡ith the Italian manufacturer. His total of seven titles was the all-time record which Hamilton matched♎.

Schumacher ended a three-year retirement for🦹 a spell at Mercedes where his groundwork laid some foundations for Hamilton’s later success.

Hamilton will race in🌺to his 40s with Ferrari, seeking to break the rec෴ord with an eighth F1 championship.

“Honestly, right now I 🅺feel I’m healthier than I’ౠve ever been,” he said.

“I’m in such a good pl🌄ace, physically and mentally.

“My reaction times are still quicker than the young guys💎. I think I’m a bet൩ter driver than I was at 22.

“I was just youn♒g, energetic and ruthless, but no finesse, no balance. I didn’t know how to be a team p📖layer, how to be a leader.

🅺“Being a good racing driver, it’s not just a𓂃bout being fast, it’s about being the most rounded.”