Hamilton joins Ferrari from 2025!

[Used to be Starter]

Apparently, the Hamilton contract with Mercedes was a one year with an option for a second year. It really would not surprise me that he would decide if this is what l am getting then he would not take up the option after the actual one-year contract. Mercedes f*cked up and they have lost their man to Ferrari as a consequence.

The contract was for several years, but had an opt out clause for Lewis.

The 2024 season is going to be a miserable year for Hamilton at Mercedes. As they would not be generous with equipment and he would be excluded from certain competitive information. As such his 2024 car is going to be a dog.

I doubt very much that the team would do that. Bottom line is that they want to win and not giving Lewis the best would be shooting themselves in the foot. One - two finishes are way better than one - nowhere finishes.

[gm99]

Check this article out https://medium.com/motor-racing/the-...n-6c5fce033a9a

That is an example of how to disrespect your loyal long-standing champion. They give a seven-time world champion a one-year contract with an option for a second year and not expect him to leave?

Maybe it was Lewis who wanted the option, so he could get out of the contract if a better opportunity arises?

[Mark]

Have Ferrari offered him a 1 or 2 year contract?

It's multi year. Reported as being 2+1.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yeah, I'm sure it was Hamilton that wanted the get-out clause in case he was still getting nowhere near the RB of Max.

The timing is weird though. Why not wait until nearer the end of the season ?

[Nitrodaze]

Have Ferrari offered him a 1 or 2 year contract?

Apparently, it is said to be a Multi-Year deal. That could also mean two years. The difference is that the Mercedes two-year deal did not include the start of the new regulation year 2026.

[Nitrodaze]

The contract was for several years, but had an opt out clause for Lewis.

It is widely thought that the Mercedes contract was One year with an option for a second. George Russell was offered the same deal up to 2025 as well as Toto Wolff. There is clearly something happening at the end of 2025 at Mercedes. Whatever it is, Lewis was not happy with it.
It could also mean Mercedes have given the team to turn things around by 2025 or else the team would be sold. The embarrassment is costing the brand dearly.

Ferrari stock jumped up by 5 Billion euros immediately after the Hamilton announcement. While Mercedes stock dropped at the very same time. Whatever the deal is between Ferrari and Hamilton, it is nothing compared to what Hamilton's international credibility is worth.

I doubt very much that the team would do that. Bottom line is that they want to win and not giving Lewis the best would be shooting themselves in the foot. One - two finishes are way better than one - nowhere finishes.

Fair point, we would see how it pans out. If the 2024 car is good enough to win the 2024 championship, Hamilton would do his levelled best to win it. As would Russell of course.

[Nitrodaze]

Maybe it was Lewis who wanted the option, so he could get out of the contract if a better opportunity arises?

Good point. That makes sense to me actually.

[Nitrodaze]

Yeah, I'm sure it was Hamilton that wanted the get-out clause in case he was still getting nowhere near the RB of Max.

The timing is weird though. Why not wait until nearer the end of the season ?

That was my thought too. At least drive the new car on the track and see what it is like. Two seasons with as much as a race win must have been hard to take. He finished third in the championship without winnig a single race. Mercedes messed up big time.

[Nitrodaze]

Extented article on Hamilton-Ferrari move here

[Matthew]

Have Ferrari offered him a 1 or 2 year contract?

Everyone is guessing about the length of the contract at the moment.