Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest stars F1 has ever seen. He is the most successful driver in the sport. His fame, like Michael Schumacher, has transcended the sport itself. At 38 years old, he is still going strong. Therefore, it is no surprise Ferrari came knocking once they heard he was available.
Contract Rumours
Rumours fill the paddock at every opportunity. Therefore, when Lewis Hamilton doesn’t have a contract signed for next year, those rumours kick into overdrive. There have been innumerable reports of the contract negotiations between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
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These rumours include Lewis Hamilton asking for an ambassadorial role for Mercedes once he retires from F1. However, Toto Wolff was quick to deny any of those claims. He said the current contract negotiations are for his F1 career only. The constant delays in the renewal of the contract are adding fuel to the fire.
One rumour which does the rounds every time Lewis Hamilton is available is a possible move to Ferrari. However, this time the rumours were stronger than ever. And it seems there was substance to it.
Ferrari called him up
Reports suggest that Lewis Hamilton got a call from John Elkann himself. However, the same reports suggest that the Ferrari chairman was met with a ‘No, thanks’. Such a cold snub would hurt anyone’s sentiments, let alone a team as proud as Ferrari.
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‘Verstappen isn’t damaging anything’
The 2023 season is being dominated by one man and one team. Various key figures in F1 suggest that Max Verstappen is destroying the sport. Fred Vasseur was quick to point out that Max Verstappen wasn’t damaging anything. If anything, he was highlighting the shortcomings of other teams and drivers.
Did Fred Vasseur defend the Dutchman because he was miffed with Hamilton? Whether that is the case or not, the Brit seems to remain attached to his current home at Mercedes.