Key Points
- Ferrari president John Elkann contacted Lewis Hamilton directly to offer him a contract.
- Hamilton politely declined the offer.
- It is unclear why Hamilton rejected the offer.
- Hamilton is still in high demand and has the option to drive for any team he wants.
- It will be interesting to see how the contract negotiations between Hamilton and Mercedes play out.
- If they are unable to reach an agreement, it would be a major surprise to see Hamilton leave Mercedes after so many years.
- But if he does decide to move on, Ferrari would be a very attractive option for him.
Ferrari
Ferrari’s president, John Elkann, personally extended an offer to Lewis Hamilton, the Mercedes F1 driver. Despite months of negotiations, there is still no official agreement to extend Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes, which is set to expire at the end of this season.
Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton has consistently expressed his allegiance to Mercedes, but rumours have circulated about the possibility of him joining Ferrari. According to respected Italian journalist Leo Turrini, who has strong ties to Scuderia Ferrari, Hamilton politely declined Elkann’s offer.
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail previously reported that Ferrari had offered a £40 million deal to attract Hamilton away from Mercedes. Elkann was reportedly in close contact with Hamilton, discussing a partnership with either Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz.
Mercedes
While Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have consistently expressed their confidence in reaching a contract extension, the prospect of Hamilton joining Ferrari would undoubtedly reshape the dynamics of Formula 1. Despite his pursuit of an eighth F1 championship, Hamilton may need to wait until the following season, potentially facing Red Bull’s current dominance on the track.
What if Hamilton joins Ferrari?
If Lewis Hamilton were to join Ferrari, it would mark a significant shift in his F1 career. The Mercedes F1 driver, who has been consistently loyal to his current team, could potentially make the move to Ferrari despite months of negotiations with Mercedes for a contract extension set to expire at the end of this season.
Hamilton vs. Leclerc: Who Would Be the Better Fit for Ferrari?
In evaluating who would be the better fit for Ferrari between Hamilton and Leclerc, several key factors come into play.
Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, a renowned Mercedes F1 driver, and Charles Leclerc, an emerging talent, both present unique qualities could benefit the Scuderia Ferrari team.
Hamilton’s extensive experience and impressive track record make him an attractive candidate. His championship-winning pedigree and ability to perform under pressure could potentially bring a new era of success to Ferrari. Additionally, his marketability and global fanbase could provide valuable commercial opportunities for the team.
Leclerc
On the other hand, Charles Leclerc’s youth and potential for growth align with Ferrari’s tradition of nurturing homegrown talent. Leclerc has demonstrated remarkable skills and determination, consistently challenging more experienced competitors. His familiarity with the team and its culture could facilitate seamless integration, fostering a strong sense of unity within Ferrari.
Skills
The decision between Hamilton and Leclerc ultimately hinges on Ferrari’s short-term goals for immediate success versus their long-term strategy of grooming future champions. While Hamilton could potentially deliver swift victories, Leclerc’s potential to evolve into a consistent and dominant force over time might align better with Ferrari’s overall vision.
Ultimately, the choice between these two exceptional drivers requires careful consideration of the team’s current needs, future aspirations, and the dynamics each individual would bring to the Scuderia Ferrari environment.