Lewis Hamilton has a close relationship with NBA legend Michael Jordan. The former Chicago Bulls star utilised that relationship to sign the Mercedes star for his brand-new NASCAR team.
Hamilton would not have been the first one to make his move to NASCAR from F1 as many of his peers have tried their hands at it.
GrandPrix247 published a report in 2021 revealing that Jordan had reached out to the 7-time world champion to convince him to join the team – 23XI racing– and drive alongside Bubba Wallace.
He was also said to have presented a deal of $25 Million/ year in salary to the Briton starting from 2022 to 2024.
Why didn’t Lewis Hamilton take the NASCAR deal?
Hamilton has either equalled or emulated almost all the records in F1. With 7 titles in his bag, Hamilton wants to further his legacy by winning his record-eighth title.
As per GrandPrix247, Jordan tried to convince Hamilton that his business in F1 is done. As he has already broken records and become one of the greats of the sport.
Still, Hamilton decided to stay back with the Brackley-based team to chase his 8th title. On a different note, Hamilton has a salary of $40 Million in F1.
Although, the report also revealed that apart from the $25 Million a year in NASCAR, Hamilton would also have been entitled to all the winnings he earns. However, it was said that the Mercedes star would have donated his winnings to worthy causes.
Hamilton’s worst season in F1
Hamilton lost the championship title in the final race of the 2021 season to Max Verstappen. Heading into the 2022 season, the Mercedes ace was targeting the title.
But that did not come to fruition as Mercedes stepped on the wrong side of the 2022 technical regulations with its W13 and faced a massive disadvantage.
The Silver Arrows saw the end of its 8 years of dominance in the sport. It was left to battle in the midfield. Hamilton labelled 2022 as the worst season of his career having failed to score a single win over the season.
