Why Did Ferrari President John Elkann & F1 Legend Niki Lauda’s Phone Call to Lewis Hamilton Have 2 Drastically Opposite Outcomes?

“Everyone is a Ferrari fan. Even if they are not, they are Ferrari fans”– Sebastian Vettel. For many, it is a dream to drive for Ferrari. Take Sebastian Vettel for example, who moved to Ferrari to fulfill his dream of winning the title for the Tifosi. But then why did John Elkann’s call to Lewis Hamilton not result in a transfer? And what was so special about Niki Lauda that Hamilton left McLaren and joined Mercedes? Let’s figure out why the two outcomes were so different.

After what felt like an eternity, Lewis Hamilton’s contract was finally done, as suggested by Lawrence Barretto. Hamilton and Wolff have shaken hands upon the major things like the duration and financial side, with only the finer details remaining before it is officially signed. However, many have been left wondering why the Briton did not join Ferrari even after Ferrari President John Elkann and TP Frederic Vasseur contacted Hamilton with the offer.

Lewis Hamilton and Niki Lauda just didn’t share the relationship of a mentor and a student but also the relationship of two very good friends. According to Formula Passion, Lewis Hamilton during a Mercedes YT video said, “I remember that in 2012 he called me to ask me to join the team, and I think I thought, ‘Niki doesn’t even like me, what are you talking about?’ But then we met and had a very thorough conversation, and he said to me, ‘Oh, you’re just like me.”

Hamilton then added, “From that moment on, we realized that we had much more in common than we expected and we established a fantastic relationship.” It is believed that Niki Lauda had very impressive convincing skills and was great at man management. Lauda convinced Hamilton, told him about the Mercedes project, and made him an integral part of it.

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However, it was Ferrari President John Elkann who called Lewis Hamilton. The head of a brand like Ferrari must also have great, convincing skills. Then what was it about the call from Ferrari that the outcome was so different? 

Ferrari’s struggles advised the reason behind Lewis Hamilton’s rejection

We talked about how Sebastian Vettel fulfilled his dream of driving for Ferrari. However, what we didn’t mention is the struggle that Vettel had to go through. Coming so close to the championship yet so far away. Lewis Hamilton must’ve seen his best friend’s struggles along with the current Ferrari team situation, which, to be honest, is in shambles. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport also suggested how Lewis Hamilton has been with Mercedes for a long time and is used to the atmosphere. A move to the struggling atmosphere will most likely result in an inferior result compared to the Mercedes. Even Michael Schmidt advised that Hamilton’s problems will only double if he moves to Ferrari. 

Watch this Story: Lewis Hamilton Expresses Gratitude to Sebastian Vettel for Saving Him in “Brave” Fashion From Horrific Reality of F1

Do you think Lewis Hamilton made the right call by staying in Mercedes?