ENGLAND, UK – In a daring move that could potentially shift the balance of power in the world of Formula 1 racing, Ferrari is rumored to be courting seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton with a staggering $50 million offer.
This surprising turn of events comes despite Hamilton’s repeated intentions to re-sign with Mercedes, his team for the past eight years.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, John Elkann, the president of Ferrari, has been in close contact with Hamilton.
This news has added fuel to the speculations about Hamilton’s future, considering Mercedes’ recent struggle to maintain its pace.
Hamilton, 38, currently shares the all-time record of seven championships with legendary Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.
Last season, Hamilton came close to clinching his eighth championship but was narrowly outperformed in the final race by Max Verstappen of Red Bull, the dominant force in Formula1 for the past two seasons.
This potential move by Hamilton raises questions about Ferrari’s current lineup, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz under contract until 2024.
Rumours are swirling about a possible swap involving Leclerc and Hamilton, though Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently dismissed these speculations, maintaining his commitment to Hamilton.
“Nobody doubts Charles’ ability and he is a good guy,” Wolff said at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last month. “He is 100 percent committed to Ferrari and we are 100 percent committed to putting pen to paper with Lewis.”
Hamilton, despite hinting at a possible future move, remains consistent with his stance of staying with Mercedes.
He said at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, “I’m happy where I am. I haven’t signed a contract yet, but we are working on one.”
As the world of Formula 1 waits for official confirmation, the speculation about Hamilton’s future and its potential impact on the racing world continues to intensify.
If this rumoured swap takes place, it could mark a significant shift in the landscape of the sport, leaving fans and experts on the edge of their seats.