Amidst a flurry of reports suggesting Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari were in close contact for a partnership in the future, the driver recently dismissed all such claims. While BusinessF1 magazine reports Hamilton’s claim to be true, they also report Ferrari had a contract offer worth $50,000,000 lined up for the driver via an unofficial point of contact- Luca di Montezemolo.
As one of the quintessential members of the Enzo Ferrari era, Montezemolo is held in high regard throughout the world of motorsports. Looking for a potential comeback to the team that gave him all his fame and legacy, Montezemolo became the unofficial mediator to try and lure Hamilton away from the Silver Arrows.
However, the top executives at Ferrari were not in favor of seeing the return of Montezemolo despite looking forward to poaching the 7-time world champion. In the middle of the execs nixing Montezemolo’s plans, the Prancing Horse lost out on an opportunity to bring Hamilton on board.
Lewis Hamilton could have been a Ferrari driver because of Luca di Montezemolo
Given the slump of Mercedes following the 2021 season and the rise of Ferrari in 2022, the opportunity to switch teams was lucrative enough. Looking to win a record 8th world title, Hamilton might have seen the Prancing Horse as better contenders for the same, as Mercedes is no longer in the running for at least two more years. Moreover, a $50,000,000 contrast, as reported by BusinessF1 magazine, stands as another pro of the potential switch.
“Hamilton also had dreams, like every other great driver, to spend his final years in the sport at Ferrari.”
“Hamilton was also attracted by the money on offer, thought to be in excess of $50 million a year.”
Ferrari could not sow the seed fast enough as Mercedes soon announced the renewal of Hamilton’s contract. As no formal offer ever knocked on the door of the 38-year-old, he decided to stick for another two years with the team that won him six of seven world titles. Additionally, the Silver Arrows offered a higher salary to Hamilton than the unofficial one by Ferrari by about $10 million, making the deal even more profitable for him.
Hamilton was the need of the hour for Mercedes
It was a case of ‘better late than never’ for Mercedes, who were able to lock down Hamilton for another two years as his current contract ran towards its end. Currently sitting in P2 in the constructor’s championship, Mercedes owes their position largely to Hamilton, who has earned most of the team’s points. As such, the Brackley-based team needs the Briton to stay onboard and help them get back on track, which would also explain the higher pay.
Hamilton hopes to be racing till 2030 when he will be 45. Looking at Fernando Alonso’s example, should the Briton keep his physical health up, there is little chance of this not happening. There is also the chance of Hamilton switching to Ferrari in 2026 when the new regulations kick in. Hamilton might have delayed the signing to see how competitive the Prancing Horse’s car could be in 2026 and then make the final decision.
