Despite Speculations, Now $285 Million Man Lewis Hamilton’s Biggest Career Choice Was Never Because Of the Money

Formula 1 was stunned when one of the most exciting and talented drivers announced he would walk away from a title-winning team like McLaren. That’s right, Lewis Hamilton moving to Mercedes sent shockwaves across the grid in 2012. His decision to join the Silver Arrows has certainly changed the course of his career. However, former F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone revealed that Hamilton didn’t do it for money, which is what a lot of people speculated to be the case at that time.

Since joining the Brackley-based outfit, Lewis has smashed multiple records and set his claim as the best driver statistically in F1. Furthermore, the Mercedes driver is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. He signed a 1-year contract worth $55 million with Mercedes in 2021.

However, much to the contrast of many reports at the time, former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone claimed in 2013 that Hamilton’s move to Mercedes was not for more money. He also claimed that McLaren offered him more money and could have retained the services of now $285 million worth Hamilton if they wanted to. 

F1 Supremo Bernie said, “Lewis told me that he would have rather taken a year off (than stay at McLaren). In fairness to Lewis, he didn’t leave McLaren over money.”

“I don’t know what it was because of but it wasn’t to do with money.”

READ MORE: Angered Toto Wolff Unleashed Hell on Media for “Rubbish” Lewis Hamilton Narrative in 2017

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will be looking to forget this past season and set their targets for the next one. Moreover, the 103-race winner will seek George Russell’s support to bring glory days back to Brackley.

Lewis Hamilton compliments George Russell and opens up about his relationship with the fellow Brit

George Russell has been a revelation for Mercedes this season. The former Williams man beat 103-race winner Lewis Hamilton in his maiden season with Mercedes. Moreover, his consistency was one of the few things that were positive for the Silver Arrows during this campaign. Lewis Hamilton opened up about his relationship with the King’s Lynn boy.

The 7-time champion told reporters in Brazil, “It’s been super easy to blend in. He uses my steering wheel, and he’s obviously got to do the test days prior to the year, so I think he’s just blended in perfectly and he’s been a positive force in the team.”

Hamilton further mentioned what George has brought to the Silver Arrows. He said, “He’s helped keep the equilibrium in the team, in terms of the working relationship I think it’s strong.”

Mercedes only won a single race in 2022 and will hope to improve on their record next season. They also finished P3 in the WCC behind champions Red Bull and runners-up Ferrari.

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For the first time in his career, Lewis Hamilton ended his season without a single race win all year. Such was the dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Can Hamilton put behind this season’s disappointment and come back roaring to challenge the Dutch Lion again next season?