The current Formula One season is in full swing, and the rumors of driver swaps have already started to gain momentum. This time around, the man at the center of the talks is none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Yes, the same British driver who has been associated with Mercedes for a decade. However, his current contract is all set to expire at the end of the current 2023 season, and reports of him cutting ties with the Silver Arrows have spread like wildfire.
It’s known to the world that Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are struggling on the track with their wrecked W14. The design concept did not work in their favor, due to which the machinery lost a lot of pace. On the other hand, their rivals, Red Bull, kept on gaining performance race after race which irked the Silver Arrows even further. As a result, rumors started floating that Hamilton, who remains in the last stretch of his career, wants to join a team with whom he stands a chance to win the record eight title.
Lewis Hamilton Confirms That Contract Extension With Mercedes To Become Official Soon
Last weekend, a report from Daily Mail stated that Ferrari has chalked up a $40 million contract to lure Mercedes ace Lewis Hamilton. More than money, the team allegedly promised him a car good enough to earn him his eighth title. The report also stated that the Briton’s family persuaded him to join Ferrari as they wanted to see him don the iconic red race suit once before he retires. However, Lewis has denied all the rumors. During the media day of the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton confirmed that the contract extension talks with Mercedes are in its last stage. Reportedly, both parties are sorting out some last-minute issues and will announce a confirmation soon.
Further denying the rumors of jumping ships to Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton put the blame on the media. He said people got bored last week due to the cancellation of the Imola Grand Prix. Hence, in a bid to generate some entertainment, a certain journalist must have cooked up the whole imaginary story. But the Briton understands that when someone is in between a contract negotiation, these kinds of speculations are bound to rise. But Hamilton urged that one should not believe in any rumors unless it comes from him. He is very much committed to Mercedes for now and will not leave the team hanging out in the dry just because things are difficult.
Ferrari Team Principal Denies Offering Any Contract To Hamilton
Just after Lewis Hamilton cleared his stand, Ferrari’s new team principal, Fred Vasseur, jumped into his team’s defense. He confirmed not holding any kind of closed-door talks with the Mercedes ace. However, Fred did reckon that any team would die to have a driver like Lewis on their team. Hence, he would be lying he if said he did not want the Briton to join Ferrari.
But that’s now how things pan out in Formula One. The fact remains that Lewis Hamilton will stay committed to Mercedes. Moreover, Ferrari also remains happy with its current set of drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Hence, the possibility of Hamilton donning the Reds remains nothing more than just a superficial dream.