Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari still on after F1 star’s British Grand Prix comments
Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari may still be a possibility after the seven-time F1 world champion’s latest comments at the British Grand Prix. Hamilton is currently in the process of agreeing a new contract with Mercedes to extend their successful 10-year partnership although the length of the deal is unknown.
Toto Wolff has confirmed that only the finer details are left to be discussed. The team principal says the duration of the new deal has already been agreed upon, which comes after the Daily Mail claimed the Silver Arrows were going to reject Hamilton’s desire for a five-year deal.
At Silverstone, Hamilton confirmed his wish to stay in F1 until 2028 and perhaps even beyond. Addressing the crowd, the Brit said to huge cheers: “I’m hoping to be here a lot longer. I feel like I’ve got another five years in me at least, no? Let’s see, let’s see.”
Hamilton is now 38 but with Fernando Alonso, who turns 42 later this month, flying for Aston Martin it is clear age is no barrier for the elite drivers on the grid. And Hamilton is most definitely one of them, with nobody having ever won more Drivers Championships than him in F1’s entire history.
But Mercedes are reluctant to lock in such a lengthy agreement it appears. That, therefore, opens up the possibility of a future switch to Ferrari. Links have been incessant of late although there was never much chance of Hamilton ditching his Brackley-based employers right now.
Don’t miss… F1 star Gasly channels inner Mourinho at British GP in addressing Hamilton drama[QUOTES]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The suggestion is that the Stevenage native will pen a one-plus-one contract. That’s one season guaranteed with the option for a second. Yet in two more years, heading into the 2026 season when will be a flurry of new F1 engine rules and Audi will enter the sport, who knows what the F1 landscape will look like?
It is unclear if Mercedes can recover to rival Red Bull for titles in that time. And Ferrari will be one of the frontrunners should it become apparent that Hamilton is available for hire.
He has spoken multiple times of being “a big fan” of the Scuderia. He added: “It’s pretty amazing that I’ve never driven for Ferrari in so many years. Because it is a dream for anyone, a goal to be achieved.” Even more recently he said: “I’d be lying if I said I’d never thought about ending my career anywhere else.
“I thought about and watched the Ferrari drivers on the screens at the track and of course you wonder what it would be like to be in red.” It is of course important to also state that Hamilton has said he would ideally like to retire at Mercedes.
Don’t miss…
George Russell claims ‘whinging’ Max Verstappen just ‘wants more money'[QUOTES]
Lewis Hamilton called ‘spoilt’ by fellow F1 star after ‘crying’ to Mercedes[REACTION]
Lando Norris taunts Lewis Hamilton with cheeky dig ahead of British Grand Prix[LATEST]
“My goal was always to be with Mercedes. I think I’ll always be with Mercedes until the day I die,” he said last September. But that is of course reliant on the team being willing to meet the driver’s contract demands throughout that time, and also meeting his on-track expectations.
Hamilton wants to win a record-breaking eighth title and if Mercedes cannot provide him the machinery to do so, Wolff has already admitted he wouldn’t stand in the Brit’s way. He explained: “If we cannot demonstrate that we are able to give him a car in the next couple of years then he will need to look everywhere. I will have no complaints if that happens in a year or two.”
All of that means Hamilton’s long-term future still remains open. The Hamilton to Ferrari rumours are not dead just yet.
Source: Read Full Article