As the dust settles on the Lewis Hamilton- Ferrari rumors, Toto Wolff and his driver tried their best to subdue these fabrications. However, an iota of doubt remains. In a new turn of events, Wolff reveals that all this was just a conspiracy against him; to influence his negotiations with the champ.
Reports from the Italian Press and the Daily Mail set the F1 world into a whirlwind by highlighting Ferrari’s bold move to seduce Hamilton with approximately $50 million per season. Spearheaded by Ferrari President John Elkann, the offer hoped to sway Hamilton’s loyalty towards the esteemed Italian team.
An intense race. But some good points scored. 💪 pic.twitter.com/KRP4L5Dg7l
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 28, 2023
The report further suggested that Carlos Sainz would make way for Hamilton in the Ferrari squad. However, Hamilton put these rumors to rest over the Monaco GP. “My team are chatting, having discussions with the team in the background, and we’re almost there.”
Toto Wolff reveals possible foul play in Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari talks
Toto Wolff revealed that the two parties had an unsaid agreement over their years together. Thus, Wolff never believed these rumors. “We’ve had a pact – and we’ve had that since many, many years – that we wouldn’t talk to any other driver before we have taken a decision to stay together or not, so I was never a millimeter in doubt that there were any discussions.”
This led Wolff to believe there was something larger at play. “Someone just placed that (story), maybe to, in a way, to play a role in what seemed to be negotiation, but it is not negotiation, it is sitting at a table and saying, ‘what is it we need to adapt to in the contract?’ So there’s nothing to it.”
Ferrari : we are negotiating with sir Lewis Hamilton, this should stay under wraps ok not a soul should know the details !?
Charles Leclerc : ok
Also Charles Leclerc :
pic.twitter.com/t65iieLUrl— ahmed baokbah 🇸🇦 🏎️🛩️ (@ahmed_baokbah) May 25, 2023
Thus, it looks like the Mercedes force is strong between the two. No amount of pomp or money on paper will push Hamilton to turn his back on the team. However, despite all these big statements and promises we still await the day Hamilton finally puts pen to paper.
Hamilton urged to stay with Mercedes
F1 pundit Martin Brundle asserts that Hamilton possesses no superpowers to fix all of Ferrari’s problems. This was in response to the swirling rumors that connect him to the Ferrari seat. However, it couldn’t hurt to dream.
Brundle mused, “I would love to see Lewis in a Ferrari and go there and try and do a Michael Schumacher and win a championship there. I think it’d be a wonderful story for next year.”
However, Brundle comes back to reality and admits the whole thing is “a bit mischievous.” In fact, he urges Hamilton to stay strong with his team. “It makes no sense for him to step away from Mercedes-Benz at this time with something going on in the future.”
