Why Did Lewis Hamilton Turn Down Ferrari Offer?

The month-long summer break of Formula 1 is rife with endless possibilities as the silly season kicks off again. That being said, this time around, there seems to be an uncanny silence washing over the paddock. We’re almost halfway through the August break and there have been absolutely no driver transfer news or rumors! But if you are on the verge of counting this season out for your annual dose of drama, then let us remind you that Lewis Hamilton will be out of his Mercedes contract at the end of 2023.

That’s right. The 7x champion has been a stalwart of this sport. Arguably, the greatest we’ve ever seen. However, as things stand, the Brit will not be remaining with the Silver Arrows post-2023. Why do we say that? Well, for starters, no contract extension has been announced. It appears as though negotiations between Hamilton and the Brackley-based team may actually have stalled. But is this because of a certain prancing horse knocking on Hamilton’s door?

How did the Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari saga begin?

It all began when the Daily Mail broke out the news that Ferrari have offered the Brit a mouth-watering $49,000,000 worth offer to race for them from 2024 onwards. While the duration of said contract is anyone’s guess, it surely would’ve been a blockbuster deal that could’ve seen two of the most iconic figures in F1 history come together for something very special.

This offer, though generous, would’ve been mutually beneficial to the duo. For Hamilton, he would’ve had a proper shot at glory as he tried to beat Michael Schumacher‘s 7-title record with the team that Schumacher achieved this with.

For the Scuderia, it would’ve ended their dreadful championship drought since 2008.  On paper, this sounds like a win-win, right? So, does Hamilton want to put pen to paper on this deal?

Is Hamilton tempted by the Scuderia?

Lewis Hamilton finds himself in a tricky position in his illustrious career. With Ferrari, there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Be that as it may, while Ferrari won’t be a no-brainer for Hamilton, could his situation at Mercedes act as a catalyst?

Hamilton is into the final months of his Mercedes contract. You’d expect some urgency from them to resign the Brit. However, the picture in Brackley is the polar opposite. According to Crash.net, “Hamilton wants a “long-term” contract but Mercedes’ preference is to only offer him one year with the option of a second year. And Mercedes are “not prepared” to agree to Hamilton’s wish for a 10-year ambassadorial role, after his F1 career ends.”

Read More: Even if Ferrari Paid $70,000,000, Lewis Hamilton Tipped to Turn It Down for Humiliating Reason

In essence, Mercedes have pulled Hamilton back down to earth. That would’ve bruised his ego, notwithstanding the slump he finds himself in. Then, is a shock move to Ferrari still on?

Thanks, but no thanks – Hamilton to Ferrari

With everything that has been going on with the Brit at Mercedes since the end of 2021, the stars have seemingly aligned in favor of Hamilton moving to Ferrari. Or have they? Well, things have ramped up quite quickly.

According to veteran Italian journalist, Leo Turrini, “Hamilton had been contacted personally by [Ferrari president John] Elkann.” Surely, that would’ve been the last nail in the coffin for the 38-year-old’s Mercedes career. In response, Hamilton reportedly uttered just two words: “No thanks.” 

That’s a pretty harsh response given the stature of the team. But Hamilton has his own reasons for being so curt.

Why did Hamilton reject Ferrari’s advances?

The overwhelming consensus is that Hamilton will stick with Mercedes. But then that makes us wonder. With how vulnerable the Brit was left by the Silver Arrows, both on and off the track, it was an open goal for the Scuderia to score to sign him. Then how and why did they miss?

Well, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, “Of course, one would have to leave an environment, that of Brackley, which Lewis knows as his home, with engineers such as James Allison which he deeply esteems, to immerse himself in a completely different and extraneous context to Ferrari, where now one cannot breathe a good atmosphere. It will happen? Unlikely.” [translated via Google Translate]

Will Hamilton and Ferrari’s failed dalliance go down as Formula 1’s biggest ‘what if’?

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