Lewis Hamilton was already partaking with Ferrari when he signed his last Mercedes contract in mid-2023, it has emerged.
Lewis Hamilton was already partaking with Ferrari when he signed his last Mercedes contract in mid-2023, it has emerged.
On August 31, 2023, the seven-time world champion and Toto Wolff finalised a two-year take care of an exit clause after 2024.
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur revealed to Auto Hebdo this week when talks with Hamilton, now 40, started. “It was on the 2023 Monaco GP—on Might 28, my birthday, to be exact,” he stated.
“I instantly understood that the need was there on his half and that it might occur.”
Hamilton confirmed the overlapping timelines. “I bear in mind hanging up the cellphone,” he stated, “and I used to be shaking. I assumed ‘Oh my God’. I had simply signed with Mercedes.
“There was quite a bit to course of and my feelings have been actually robust. I wanted to go for a stroll to clear my head.”
A scene from F1’s newest Drive To Survive collection captures Wolff discussing Hamilton’s substitute with spouse Susie in early 2024. “You do not assume Max (Verstappen) is an choice?” Susie requested. “I have not spoken to him,” Wolff replied, “as a result of I promised Lewis I would not discuss to him.
“However I’ll have the dialog now.”
Verstappen stayed with Crimson Bull for 2025, leaving Mercedes to signal Wolff’s 18-year-old protégé, Kimi Antonelli.
