Author: Barkha Roy
Ferrari is said to be preparing a substantial offer of 40 million pounds to secure the services of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. As the Briton enters the final year of his contract with Mercedes, speculation about his future in the sport has been rife.
At the end of this season, Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes will come to an end, leaving his future in the sport uncertain. Despite being 38, Hamilton has no intention of retiring, as his goal is to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship title. He currently shares the record of seven titles with Michael Schumacher.
Throughout his career in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton has often been associated with the possibility of joining Ferrari. In 2019, as Hamilton approached the final year of his previous long-term contract with Mercedes, he neither confirmed nor denied rumors of a meeting with John Elkann, the president of Ferrari. However, Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri later confirmed that a “social” conversation had indeed taken place between Hamilton and Elkann.
Ferrari currently has Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz under contract for the 2024 season. Reports in the Daily Mail suggest that Ferrari are interested in bringing Hamilton in to partner Leclerc next season, which could lead to Sainz leaving the team. In addition, there were discussions about a possible swap deal, in which Leclerc would leave Ferrari to join George Russell at Mercedes.
Since the 2021 season, Mercedes has faced challenges to keep up with Red Bull, leading Lewis Hamilton to think about his future in Formula 1. Hamilton has previously expressed his aspirations to join Ferrari, describing them as a “dream” that could come true next year.
Reports indicate that Mercedes is committed to keeping Hamilton as part of its team. Ultimately, Hamilton’s decision will probably depend on which team can offer him the best chance of securing a historic eighth world championship title. It’s worth noting that Michael Schumacher won five of his world titles while driving for Ferrari.
On the other hand, Ferrari has the distinction of being the most successful team in Formula 1, having won 16 constructors’ championships and 15 drivers’ championships. However, the team hasn’t won a championship since 2008. This season, Ferrari is currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship standings, with one podium.
Alternatively, another potential option for Hamilton could be a move to Aston Martin, a team that has shown a willingness to hire experienced drivers. Currently, Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion at the age of 41, has been performing well, with the team currently in second place in this year’s Constructors’ Championship.