Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he didn’t inform his parents about his switch to Ferrari until the day that the news was announced.

Hamilton stunned Formula One at the start of this month by signing a £40million-plus deal with Ferrari which will come into effect in 2025.

The 39-year-old admitted that the decision was one which he had to make himself.

Asked if it was a ‘gut feeling’ decision, Hamilton told BBC podcast Back at Base: ‘Yeah. You’re gut and your heart. I didn’t speak to anybody.

‘I didn’t tell my parents until the day of it being announced, so no one knew. I really wanted to do it for myself, and ultimately, I had to find out what would be the best for me.’

Lewis Hamilton didn’t tell his parents about his Ferrari move until the day it was announced

Hamilton, pictured with his father Anthony, said that he had to make the decision himself

Hamilton also didn’t inform his mother Carmen Lockhart about his move to Ferrari

Hamilton, who has won a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championship titles, is now preparing for his final campaign with Mercedes.

His parents, Anthony Hamilton and Carmen Larbalestier, split up when he was two years old.

Like Hamilton’s parents, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff didn’t learn of his decision until late on.

Hamilton had previously claimed that he would see out his career with Mercedes and be a brand ambassador thereafter.

Speaking recently, Hamilton described his choice to join Ferrari as the toughest decision that he has ever made.

Hamilton, who signed a new £50million-a-year contract with Mercedes last August, said: ‘I saw my future with Mercedes then.

‘But an opportunity came up in the New Year and I decided to take it. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make.

‘I have had a relationship with Mercedes since I was 13. They have supported me, and we have had an incredible journey together, creating history within the sport. It is something I take a lot of pride in.

‘But ultimately I am writing my story, and I felt it was time to start a new chapter.’

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also didn’t find out about Hamilton’s decision until late on