Sir Lewis Hamilton has been a Mercedes racer for far too long. Nevertheless, the legend that he has become is thanks to the dominant Mercedes team during the turbo-hybrid era. Moreover, even in his initial days with McLaren, Hamilton used to drive Mercedes powered cars. In terms of engine collaboration, for the great Briton, it has always been the German team. He won his maiden title with McLaren back in 2008. Then, he had to wait a while before he won his second title. It happened only after the great British driver moved to Mercedes in 2013. Moreover, he won back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015. Then, he missed the Driver’s World Championship narrowly against his then teammate Nico Rosberg in 2016.
But from 2017 to 2020, Lewis Hamilton was unbeatable. However, the golden era of Mercedes and the seven-time champion came to an epic end in 2021 when he narrowly missed the title again. But this time, it was against the new F1 champion Max Verstappen. Since 2022, things went completely to the south as Lewis Hamilton faced back to back winless seasons. That’s why the rumor surrounding Ferrari’s interest to sign the Mercedes star attracted a lot of fans. But the question remains, is it really happening anytime soon?
Lewis Hamilton Making A Blockbuster Move To Ferrari?
Last year, Mercedes and Hamilton signed a two-year contract extension. But it seems that won’t matter. Sources from Sky Sports and BBC reported that Lewis Hamilton will join the Italian team from the next season. Recently, Charles Leclerc signed a multi-year extension with Ferrari. But that leaves Carlos Sainz Jr. as his contract with the Italian team expires at the end of the 2024 season. Hence, there is a possibility that Hamilton will replace the Spaniard to secure a Ferrari seat. Moreover, BBC reported that the Mercedes team will meet later on Thursday to make the announcements.
Although Hamilton signed a two-year extension with the German team last year, there can be some exit clauses in the contract at the end of the first year with a one-plus-one arrangement. If Lewis Hamilton really leaves Mercedes at the end of the coming season, it will trigger changes in other team’s lineups as well. Carlos Sainz Jr. would be without a seat in 2025 since his Ferrari contract expires this year. Moreover, the exit clauses in the contract do not guarantee Hamilton a Ferrari switch. But he might retire after the coming season or extricate himself from Mercedes.
Mercedes Has Been Really Trying To Turn Back The Clock
It has been one of the best collaborations between a driver and an F1 team for over a decade. Since joining in 2013, Lewis Hamilton helped the Silver Arrows win six Driver’s World Championship and eight Constructor title. The introduction of the cost cap era changed things upside down for the German team. Moreover, the zero sidepod concept really ruined it for Mercedes.
But they brought back James Allison as their technical director. For a few years, Allison was serving as the chief technical officer. Recently, Allison also signed a new contract with Mercedes. Anyway, time has been really running out for Lewis Hamilton as he recently turned 39. He may finally fullfil every F1 aspiring driver’s dream of wearing the red uniform.
Stay tuned with http://www.sportsnewsinternational.com/ for more such updates about your favorite F1 team.
