Bernie Ecclestone reveals Lewis Hamilton almost rejected Mercedes unless they agree upon $50 Million contract

Since joining Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton has dominated F1 like no other Driver. In the 9 seasons he spent with the Silver Arrows, the Briton managed to claim 6 titles and has delivered his team 8 consecutive Constructors championships.

However, when the Briton made the announcement to move to Mercedes in 2012, he was ridiculed for his decision. Lewis was set to move from a team that finished 3rd in the standings to a team that was 5th

Hamilton’s decision was the butt of many jokes. And many pundits made a bold prediction that he would regret the decision. But this legendary transfer move was almost set to not happen.

 

Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone revealed that Lewis wasn’t agreeing to a move to Mercedes unless he received a $50 Million contract. And when the negotiations went south, Bernie himself chose to pay the difference from his own pocket.

Also Read: “I don’t even know whether it will be possible to win 7 world championships”: Lewis Hamilton had no faith that he can match Michael Schumacher

Bernie Eccleston agreed to pay part of Hamilton’s contract

In the new documentary ‘Lucky’ based around the life of the former F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone made an admission. The F1 boss had considered paying part of Mercedes’ contract to sign Lewis Hamilton.

In 2012, then Mercedes advisor Niki Lauda mediated talks with Hamilton who was looking to leave McLaren. The Austrian found Hamilton to be the right candidate to lead Mercedes who was a mid-table team and as the right replacement for Michael Schumacher.

But Hamilton was not keen on downgrading from McLaren who was a championship contender. And there were certain disagreements between the two regarding the signing fee.

Ecclestone revealed, “Niki realised what a valuable driver Lewis was, and he found some way of persuading him. He should be driving for Mercedes. But if he didn’t get paid what he wanted, Lewis wasn’t going to agree.”

Hearing this Ecclestone made a benevolent offer to Mercedes. He extended his hand to pay part of the $50 Million contract in order to sign the Briton.

He added, “So I said ‘well he’s somebody that I think Mercedes needs, I’ll pay the difference.’ But eventually, Mercedes paid.”

And the rest is history. Just 10 races in, Hamilton would secure his first race win in Hungary. And a year later bring home his 2nd Championship title and the first of many with Mercedes.

Also Read: 7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton narrates difficulties following first title win to F1 legend Niki Lauda

Ecclestone reveals Lewis Hamilton almost agreed to join Red Bull 

Bernie Ecclestone claimed Lewis Hamilton was looking for a move to Red Bull ahead of the 2012 season. Hamilton was frustrated at McLaren and the Briton had reportedly even met Helmut Marko and Red Bull chief Dietrich Mateschitz.

There were arrangements made for an alleged three-year deal with Hamilton bagging $45 Million. But the deal fell off as Red Bull opted to stick with Mark Webber for one more season.

Also Red Bull feared the dynamic between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton would not work out. Later Bernie would convince him later to consider Mercedes.

He said, “‘Why not talk to Mercedes,?’ Lewis rolled his eyes but I told him that he had nothing to lose as he wanted out of McLaren.”

Lewis would be pursued to consider the team after receiving a good word from the likes of Ross Brawn and old pal Nico Rosberg. And this would go down as the greatest driver signing in F1 history.

Also Read: “My son Lewis Hamilton will be the greatest driver”: Anthony Hamilton predicted in 2007 despite poor performance predicted his son will be F1 GOAT