F1 News: Ferrari Chief Admits To Talks With Lewis Hamilton - "Talking For 20 Years"
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirmed ongoing discussions with Lewis Hamilton over the past two decades, and once again this year, hinting at the depth of Ferrari's interest in the Formula 1 superstar. This news follows speculation about Hamilton's future in the sport and his potential move to the iconic team from Mercedes.
Key Takeaways:
- Contract Renewals and Future Plans: Ferrari is focusing on renewing the contracts of its current drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with intentions to finalise these before the upcoming season. Despite the existing commitments, like all teams, Ferrari keeps an open eye on future opportunities.
- Speculation Around Verstappen and Hamilton: Vasseur addressed rumours about Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton potentially joining Ferrari. He humorously downplayed Verstappen's chances due to a long-term contract with Red Bull and remarked on the longstanding, albeit informal, talks with Hamilton.
- Hamilton's Ongoing Mercedes Commitment: Despite the long-standing conversations with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton recently renewed his contract with Mercedes, committing to stay with the team until at least the end of 2025, alongside teammate George Russell.
Fred Vasseur, who took the helm of Ferrari's team management at the end of 2022, has been proactive in shaping the team's future. With the contracts of Sainz and Leclerc nearing their end in 2024, Ferrari's strategic planning is in full swing. Amidst this, Vasseur's recent interview with Corriere Dello Sport shed light on various speculations and potential moves this off-season.
Notably, Vasseur spoke about the hypothetical scenario of having Max Verstappen as the leading driver for Ferrari, a topic sparked by previous comments from former Ferrari CEO Marchionne. Vasseur humorously mentioned Verstappen's long-term commitment to Red Bull.
"All ten team managers would be thrilled to have him, but I think he has a contract until 2045," he joked. But let's not waste energy talking about it, let's focus on ourselves."
Ferrari Press Image
The more intriguing part of Vasseur's interview revolved around Lewis Hamilton. The Ferrari chief admitted to ongoing discussions with the seven-time world champion, spanning over two decades.
"A possible arrival at Maranello? We have been talking for twenty years," Vasseur said, adding a touch of humour: "If every time we had a chat we had signed a contract, it would have cost me a fortune."
This candid admission by Vasseur comes amidst recent developments in Hamilton's career. Earlier in 2023, there was uncertainty surrounding Hamilton's future with Mercedes, especially given the team's less-than-stellar performances with the "dropped dough" zero-pod W13.. However, Hamilton quashed the rumours by renewing his contract, ensuring his stay with Mercedes, where he achieved six of his seven world titles, at least until the end of 2025.