Lewis Hamilton, a legendary racer with over 100 race victories, cemented his place in F1 history. He crafted a remarkable success story with Mercedes, achieving unparalleled dominance during the hybrid era, where their partnership seemed invincible on the track. Although Hamilton is set to transition to Ferrari, his strong bond with his Mercedes teammates endures.
However, when Mercedes refused to accept Hamilton’s contract expectations, things got serious. While the Briton wanted a three-year contract, the team offered only one. This was Ferrari’s chance to strike a deal with one of the motorsport legends. Thus, F1 Pundit Will Buxton explained the reasons behind Hamilton’s decision.
“Mercedes Wanted Antonelli,” F1 Pundit Reveals The Reason Behind Mercedes-Hamilton Rift
F1 pundit Will Buxton supported Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes, though he critically watched the team’s approach. Further, Buxton speculated that Mercedes prioritized securing young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, suggesting that if they were fully committed to Hamilton, they would have offered him a more substantial contract instead of the one-year deal with an option for a second year. Thus, he implied that such an offer to a seven-time world champion almost invited Hamilton to leave, describing it as a sign of disrespect.
Buxton also highlighted that while Mercedes may have lost a legendary driver, this move represents a significant opportunity for Ferrari. He emphasized the historic significance of Hamilton, who was often considered the greatest driver in history, joining Ferrari, which was statistically the most successful team in F1 history. Moreover, Buxton framed this transition as a monumental moment in the sport, regardless of the decisions made by Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.
Former Mercedes Engineer Highlights A Special ‘Hamilton’ Ability
In an interview with Motorsport-Total, Phillip Brändle discussed the unique traits of Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, and George Russell. He pointed out that while Hamilton has an extraordinary feel for the car, he might not utilize data and technology as effectively as Rosberg or Russell.
Brändle emphasized that Hamilton’s ability to detect even the slightest changes in the car’s behavior, much like the legendary Michael Schumacher, distinguishes him from others. He noted that Hamilton can sense issues such as a loose screw at high speeds, demonstrating his remarkable connection with the vehicle. This natural intuition allows Hamilton to excel without relying heavily on the advanced technological tools available to modern drivers. In fact, Brändle praised Hamilton for his ability to assess and optimize a car’s setup with minimal effort, without the need for extensive data or technology. This innate talent is one of the many factors solidifying Hamilton’s status as a legendary figure in motorsport.
