Lewis Hamilton single-handedly changed the dynamics of Formula 1 when he announced his shocking move to Scuderia Ferrari earlier this year. Hamilton, who signed a two-year extension deal with Mercedes just weeks ago, decided to opt out after the guaranteed one-year to move to Maranello.
What conspired behind the scenes that pushed Lewis Hamilton to the extreme move remains unknown. While Hamilton said he is going to Italy to live his childhood dream, analysts speculated a big fallout with Mercedes. Meanwhile, for the first time since the move was confirmed, Hamilton’s Ferrari contract details were let out by team principal Fred Vasseur.
Lewis Hamilton To Drive For Ferrari Until 2027!
Something went wrong behind the scenes at Brackley that forced Lewis Hamilton to embrace a future with Scuderia Ferrari. Apparently, differences over contract length and Mercedes’ lack of commitment left Lewis heartbroken. Hamilton reportedly wanted a three-year extension deal with an ambassador role for the post-retirement era. However, the German hierarchy refused to allow a single day beyond the two-year deal and also rejected the ambassadorship. But when John Elkann caught the wind of it, he stepped on Lewis’ door with an offer that had everything Hamilton ever wanted from Mercedes, starting from the desired contract length. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur recently confirmed the length of Lewis’ new contract at Ferrari.
In an official statement, Ferrari mentioned that Lewis Hamilton had signed a multi-year contract. But the exact details were left out. Regardless, Fred Vasseur confirmed that Hamilton will stay at Maranello for three years, i.e., until 2027. Fred added that Lewis had to weigh the best chance to win a championship in 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, between Mercedes and Ferrari, and the seven-time world champion chose the latter. Additionally, Vasseur referred to Hamilton as a great asset as it will help Ferrari attract talented and competent engineers in the future. Overall, Vasseur’s comments subtly confirm the rumors about the rift between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. The two parties haven’t been on the same page lately, with the German manufacturers prioritizing the future. And Lewis’ was certainly not a part of that. Hence, the differences in opinions eventually led to an ugly fallout.
Hamilton Committed To Ferrari Despite Mercedes’ Big Gains At Silverstone
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton finally put an end to his 945-days long winless streak at the 2024 British Grand Prix as he beat Max Verstappen and Lando Norris to cross the checkered flag first. He extended his record of most wins by an F1 driver to 104 and also scripted the record for most wins at Silverstone, which also happens to be his home Grand Prix.
That being said, while Mercedes has won the past two races, Ferrari has fallen behind since Charles Leclerc’s Monaco win. Hence, Lewis Hamilton was asked to react on the speculations of him reconsidering his impending move to Ferrari. However, Lewis quickly shut the reporter down by saying that he is still committed to move to Maranello next year despite the present dynamics.
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