Formula 1’s silly season has often come up with dramatic storylines. In 2023, however, it threatens to introduce a sensational swap! The much-awaited triple-header was put on hold last weekend due to the unfortunate developments in the Emilia-Romagna region. But F1 fans were still kept occupied due to a blockbuster driver transfer rumor. 7x champion, and Mercedes‘ talisman, Lewis Hamilton was being linked with a 2024 Ferrari move tagged at approximately $49,000,000 a year.
Naturally, if this has any truth to it, the Silver Arrows will only let the Brit go if a suitable replacement was at hand. Hence, the focus shifted to Charles Leclerc‘s Ferrari future. Could the Monegasque be part of a swap deal that would shake the very foundations of this sport?
Toto Wolff addresses Charles Leclerc rumors
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While the focus is squarely on the Monaco Grand Prix to be held later today, the media isn’t letting the whole Leclerc-Hamilton saga go. Earlier, the 38-year-old Hamilton supposedly lashed out at the media by saying, “There is a person in this room who wrote them because I think he got bored last weekend and decided to write them.”
Now, his boss, Toto Wolff has decided to douse these claims once and for all. When asked if Leclerc qualified to be a Mercedes driver, the Austrian responded, “You want to make a big headline about that, huh?”
“Then I’m just going to answer that he’s one of the drivers capable of playing [for] the title in F1. Even if i don’t know him very well, I see a humble, thoughtful young man. and a very fast driver, of course.”
While the parties involved in this contractual tussle have all said their piece, a new revelation seems to have finally sealed the deal.
Lewis Hamilton gives Mercedes contract update
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lewis Hamilton going to Ferrari would be the move of the decade. However, there is a lot that is stopping the Brits from ditching the Silver Arrows. Now that things seem to have heated up, the 7x champion has decided to give the world a sneak peek into his contractual negotiations with Wolff.
ESPN quoted Hamilton as saying, “My team is working closely behind the scenes with Toto and we are almost at the point of having the contract ready. I’m having the team focused on that so I can just do my job.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: From Tom Cruise to Emily Ratajkowski: Celebrities to Drive an F1 Car
Wolff, Leclerc, and Hamilton have all commented on this speculation. But is it just a PR move, or is Hamilton really going to Ferrari? Only time will tell.