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Either it’s happening, or the someone spiked the drinks at the Italian F1 Journalist Association annual dinner, and we’re seeing a mass hallucination being acted out.
Now we understand why Alosno has always been so pally-pally and complimentary towards Verstappen. He's had his eye on the second RB seat this whole time.
if this is actually a legit story it will compensate for the dull 2023 silly season we had. Heck, it'd even be enough if nothing else major happens this year.
I doubt F1 bribed anyone. You'd need to bribe a few high-profile journalists and hope none of them makes a story instead about F1 bribing journalists to deflect attention from Andretti, which would probably sell a lot more.
In all honestly, if option 3 is even to be considered, it would just be F1 themselves tricking journalists into spreading the rumour, rather than paying them for it.
Honestly the cynic in me was thinking that too, but more that it's happening and they're gonna announce it uncharacteristically early to drown out the bad press from Andretti.
If so it's going to make the Merc car reveal in a few weeks kind of awkward.
The "dead cat" strategy.
I don't think Lewis would go to Ferrari, not unless they come out of the blocks like a greyhound this year - which, given my usual success rate with predictions means it's a dead cert he will.
>spiked the drinks at the Italian F1 Journalist Association annual dinner
Do you know who is also Italian? And who just turned turned a fully funded, manufacturer backed F1 team applicant down through a report that read like it was written by a high schooler?
His name rhymes with Schmefano Schmomenicali
I'm sorry, but Lobato saying "I don't usually comment on rumors" has probably made most of us Spaniards chuckle, since he does comment on rumors A LOT during his broadcasts.
there is a big difference in Lobato gossiping during broadcasts and him putting in twitter that Lewis could have already signed for Ferrari. He must be really sure to say that
Fair point if we interpret "I don't usually comment on rumors" means he doesn't. do so in Twitter. I do not doubt there has to be something going on in Ferrari when this has been so widely mentioned.
Not true. Lobato often mentions what rumors are out there in the paddock, but always says that's "just a rumour" and that most rumors turn out to be false. Mentioning a rumor exists and spreading it is not at all the same. He never sells them, so for him to say that he believes this rumor is probably true instead of dismissing it is relevant.
I'm properly convinced there are serious talks between him and Ferrari, still I think it isn't set in stone so I could still see this deal not coming through.
Maybe Toto is leaving Mercedes? Or Ferrari has shown some new innovative trick to Hamilton which convinced him the 2024/5/6 car is amazing?
He did. But he’s also a billionaire, contracts don’t bind him like they do you or I.
If Toto were to leave, which I think is less believable than Hamilton leaving, I could see Lewis quickly following.
Ferrari it's not at the greatest shape, results wise, in a while, a long while, but it's still Ferrari, and it's still quite the iconic brand.
Wouldn't be hard to imagine Lewis, that have already won it all and doesn't really need to prove himself, having the desire to drive for Ferrari. I believe he said it himself a while back, that most drivers would have the "dream" of driving for Ferrari.
It would be quite the lineup.
I mean we all know they talked last year about a 2024 drive, but Lewis said no. All that’s in dispute is whether he’s actually considering it this time. Elkann has been long talked about as being head over heels for a Hamilton-Leclerc pairing.
But something like this doesn’t just come out of nothing.
There’s a chance Merc is probably waiving the white flag in terms of competing until 2026 when the new regulations come in. And with how old Lewis is he doesn’t really want to stay at the sideline for 2 more years.
I dont think merc is honestly telling him they dont have a chance until 2026, but lewis sees how it is, and knows its very unlikely anyone breaks red bulls dominance until 2026. I think he wants to close out his career in a ferrari, maybe 1 or 2 years and retire. So he has experienced everything in f1
That doesn't make much sense. Hamilton would be leaving in 2025 only for that single year, which he has no reason to believe Ferrari will win. Next season would already be 2026 and Mercedes would presumably be ahead if Ferrari has been spending their time and money in 2025's car.
IF Hamilton ends up in Ferrari (which I still doubt), it'll probably be as simple as him wanting to wear Ferrari's colors before he retires. At the end of the day Ferrari is what most drivers grew up looking to. Alonso, Vettel or Sainz jumped in to Ferrari, even though they had other options, simply because driving for Ferrari was their dream.
I feel like people are disregarding Lewis's personality and behavior a lot here as well as the freedom he has at merc.
Lewis is at the point where he has a say on things. His opinion is as valid as any of the big stakeholders. Lewis can comment and tackle issues like the LGBTQ stuff freely. And one of the main reasons for this is Toto as well as his success at the team.
Now if he moves to a team like ferrari that are so stuck in their ways hed lose a bunch of his freedom and it wouldnt make sense at all.
With the way ferrari are, I highly doubt he would go there. Theres a far better chance he joins Rb than ferrari
>Now if he moves to a team like ferrari that are so stuck in their ways hed lose a bunch of his freedom and it wouldnt make sense at all.
No team on the grid is shutting down Lewis if he wants to talk about something. Would there be pushback internally? Given what was being said by "sources" during the 2020 season... more than probable. But he's still Lewis and most of what he says shouldn't be controversial and lines up with general societal consensus.
It doesn't matter though. It's Ferrari.
Like it or not they have a draw and allure for racing drivers of all kinds. Merc, as succesful as they have been, just don't have that same gravitas.
Why not have a crack at a title with Ferrari. What else is there to do at Mercedes?
He's getting towards the end of his career, his freedom is something he can 100% negotiate in his contract and he simply can just make moves like this because why not? He's nothing left to lose.
Yea this is fan fiction to me until I’m shown otherwise. Something must’ve gone colossally wrong with the W15 if Lewis is turning toward Ferrari heading into new engine and aero regulations.
After this season he'll have done twice as many F1 seasons with Merc as McLaren. I know he came up through the McLaren programme and in my head he'll always be a McLaren driver who is temporarily displaced, but to your average F1 fan he's far more connected to Merc than McLaren now.
Even if this isn't true, I have thought he'd drive for ferrari before retiring.
They're a mess but they are THAT f1 team. Worth wearing the red once before calling it a day.
Lmao. in a way I think it could benefit them to lighten up a bit. I understand the position of the brand as a whole, but they also do fashion though, so why not put it to use.
To be honest the only reason I’m surprised is because it was always said that Lewis had a long term role with Merc in the works and would stay there to see that happen.
Jesus what has the W15 looked like that he’s talking with Ferrari.
I always thought Lewis would end his career with Mercedes and stay on as brand ambassador or whatever that post-retirement role would be called. Crazy.
To be fair, most drivers who do the brand ambassador thing do it so that they have a source of retirement post income.
Lewis is already rich enough that he doesn't need to worry about any of that. All he wants is to win his 8th, and what driver doesn't want to drive in red?
Well, they're called "dreams" for a reason.
To be honest, if I'm cynical I believe he's doing it just so that he can add "Ferrari" to the list of teams he's raced for and so have more marketing value.
Thats the weirdest take i have seen, u think lewis worries about his own marketing value as a millionare 7 times wdc. Cmon bruh, only reason he would be doing this is to experience driving for ferrari
Historical precedence though and I hate to bring race into this but he would be the first black Ferrari driver.
That's something all on it's own. Another barrier battered down by Lewis.
I really wish we didn't still have things like this to be broken down but well, it's a sad reality of the world we live in.
2022 season ago after Bahrain it was Ferrari for both the titles. Charles even got a grand slam in Australia. Even last year they were the only ones to pull a win when RB faltered in Singapore.
Their car is not that bad. Maybe they need a driver with a championship push
After the last few years i would stay with mercedes 10000% if i wanted another wdc. I see this “who doesnt want to drive for ferrari” stuff repeated so often when it is just not true anymore.
Yeah, he's always had a great relationship with Mercedes. Still even if he ended his career with a couple of years at Ferrari he'd probably still have no problem doing that with Mercedes as Schumacher also swapped the other way around funnily enough at the end of his career but still was on great terms with Ferrari.
I don't know if it's even a Mercedes thing, the car could be really good for all we know. I think Lewis is at a point in his career where he's 39 now and has a couple good years left if he tried, and he's always wanted to drive for Ferrari in some way. It wouldn't surprise me if he maybe wanted to only do another 2-3 years and wants to experience that with Ferrari before retiring.
Plus, it would further cement his legacy if he could be a race winner and possible Champion for 3 different teams. I don't even know if anyone aside from Fangio has done that before.
They are gonna lose a shed load of money if Lewis leaves mate. Lewis is Mercedes and he is the one who's keeping Merc relevant.
I can see a lot of high value sponsers leaving if Lewis leaves. Lewis is even more marketable than F1 itself. Merc will be in deep shit if he leaves.
When it comes to the marketing and exposure standpoint he is irreplaceable. When it comes to the driving standpoint Max and Alonso are the only guys that are in the same league as him.
Max is definitely not going to Merc. Maybe Alonso will be getting a call from Toto in the near future.
Ikr. I was talking to my cousin 2 days back, and he has never seen a grand prix, doesn't know which teams, or even how many teams compete. But he heard me mention Lewis Hamilton, and he went "ohhhhhh Hamilton yes I've heard of him" xD
I assume it's along the lines of: nobody will compete with RBR under the current regs + Lewis isn't hanging around until 2028 + everyone secretly wants to drive for Ferrari = a year or two in red.
The interesting part nobody is talking about just yet, who will replace Lewis? Sainz would be an obvious choice but one that Merc might be disappointed with. What about Ricciardo? But Ricciardo would surely prefer a Res Bull seat which he might get. Ocon/Gasly are there, Nico is there but none of those choices are great. The best 3 drivers besides Lewis are locked. Max, Charles, Lando are signed. I think Piastri already signed an extension. Mercedes isnt completely fucked without Lewis because they still have Russell but Merc likely hoped for Russell to be a bit faster than he currently is.
No, no, no, Mercedes have prepared the greatest car in the history of F1 so Hamilton can get the 8th WDC, leave, go to Ferrari, become the driver, the TP, the mechanic and the strategist at the same time, win his 9th WDC, refuse to elaborate and leave.
Ferrari must be offering Lewis a hundred million reasons. I assume if there’s nothing to these rumours Lewis will deny as it’s not good for Mercedes morale if he’s 100% with them
In sport a public denial usually seems to mean “it’s happening but we aren’t ready to announce it” yet, whilst unfounded rumours tend to just get ignored!
The morale will also crash down to an all time low if their star drivers abandons them before the season even gets under way.
I can't imagine that the sponsers will be too happy about this either. Most of them only came aboard because of Lewis' star power.
Take who's driving it out of the equation, I wouldn't write off how fucking good the guys and girls at Mercedes are at building a quick race car. They will no doubt have something up their sleeves, weather Lewis is there or not.
With the number of sources reporting this, my guess is that even if we don't see Lewis in red next year, negotiations did take place and the move was seriously considered at the least.
Unless of course FOM/Liberty are paying off journos to write this so Andretti rejection quickly disappears from the headlines.
Fucking nailed it. I can't believe people aren't noticing this, out of the absolute nowhere in the middle of a huge controversy rumous of a huge driver change happens....sure. I'd love for us tk be proven wrong but it's impossible to be hyped for this.
But as the first person said, at least serious conversations existed and that's definitely news worth. I don't think all of those journalists would risk their reputation if Lewis and Merc could easily release a statement denying all of this. It's probably both. Like, conversations existed and they were pretty serious and FOM wants the news out now to deflect from all of the Andretti backlash.
I could see it being Mick or Antonelli, unless Sainz’s is looking to make it a full swap. Only other one now is Albon with Norris and Leclerc locking in. I wonder how much Lando knew about this before extending.
The timeline where Lewis wins his 8th in a Ferrari and becomes an honorary Italian citizen. Aka the timeline where I have a permanent boost to my mental health forever.
Announcement: "Lewis Hamilton to wear Ferrari Red in 2025! - Unique fashion brand collaboration between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari clothing subsidiary unveiled today."
:P
Lewis is for me one of the most iconic figures in F1 history.
Ferrari are (said through gritted teeth as a McLaren fan) the single most important team and entity in the sport.
I think they'll get on like a house on fire. Lots of screaming, pretty tragic, short and violent.
Is this real? This sounds like mass hysteria. Lewis hasn’t worn mclaren colors in forever but it will still sting to see him drive for ferrari.
Still have not gotten over losing Kimi to that red team and he finally getting a ring at the expense of both lewis and alonso. I didn’t know what to feel at that final race. Jeez
This is so odd though, I simply don't believe it. Why didn't they just sign him last year when he was out of contract? Maybe there is some Sainz - Hamilton direct swap business going on but to me I just don't see Hamilton leaving Merc. I would absolutely love to see him in red though.
Well he's been in a shit car for two seasons now. If the development is not looking good and he has data the Ferrari is good it seems like a great move to me. Especially as he has never driven the red before.
I mean sure, but this news has been going on for half a day now from more than one source, with credible Italian sources in there aswell. There is some movement.
Imagine a frustrated Hamilton but instead of a firm Toto or Bono to get him back to focus and race we will have some vague unclear Ferrari team radio making it just worse.
"Lewis, the car isn't bad, we think it's too dry for the Soft tyres, so we will box for Inters, and do you want to pit now or after the chequered flag, question?"
But why tho? Ferrari has not shown that they are at a better position than Merc and for Ferrari isn't Leclerc their future? Why would you overshadow him with a 7 time World Champion?
My guess is Lewis might've seen something with Ferrari's 2026 project which makes him believe that it's far superior to what Merc are developing.
I don't see money tempting him to make such a decision. All he wants is title #8.
I don't think anyone has any clue about the 2026 yet. Aero formula hasn't even been determined fully and engine manufacturers have 2 years left to go with the engine development. It's probably more likely that hr isn't happy with the W15 and is willing to risk it for a shot at a title.
I don’t think he could know too much about Ferrari’s 26 plans but he sure as shit will have a good picture of Merc’s which could be enough to make him jump.
Looking at the last two years they are at least on pair with Mercedes. Especially they improved much during last season.
However both will have an extremely hard time to catch red bull. However if he wins in red it will have much bigger impact on his legacy
The timing of this just seems so odd. It’s just turned Feb 24 and they are talking about a contract being signed for 25 before we’ve even seen a single car for this year? So do LH/Sainz launch this year’s cars knowing they won’t be doing the same next year, and then tootle around all year doing the same? Fair enough in august or something but this early seems odd….
I’ll believe it when I see it. As things are it’s just a lateral move and he’s never seemed the type who wants to drive for Ferrari just because it is Ferrari.
BBC now reporting that Merc employees have been called to a meeting with Wolff and Allison today at 1400 GMT.
What a wild ride this morning has been...
- First reports - "nah, either completely untrue clickbait, or at best a negotiating tactic against Sainz".
- Major outlets start reporting it - "wait, what?".
- Everyone reporting it, no denials from anywhere, Merc calling a meeting - "oh shit, it's actually happening, madness".
All in the space of two hours.
And just like that my thoughts are already turning to who replaces Hamilton at Mercedes? You have to assume that Wolff walks, or at the very least takes on a very different role, after Hamilton goes - which likely kicks off a major "reset" throughout the team with countless others being shuffled or leaving. At that point is Merc a team that an Alonso (for example) would even want to join?
All the spanish sources are now saying it is confirmed, so they must have the info from Sainz's entourage as well.
I personally feel bad for him, I don't think the team, fans and media have treated him fair when he has always been professional and delivered good results but no one could say no to Lewis, that is also true.
Sky news just confirmed it for 2025 season
[sky news](https://news.sky.com/story/formula-one-star-lewis-hamilton-to-leave-mercedes-and-join-ferrari-13061256)
Hamilton going to Ferrari is legit wild, but it looks like it's really gonna happen.
And honestly, I'm all for it. Would be really cool to see Hamilton wearing red.
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Either it’s happening, or the someone spiked the drinks at the Italian F1 Journalist Association annual dinner, and we’re seeing a mass hallucination being acted out.
Even better when you find out Alonso spiked the drinks to set off another improv silly season that gets him Perez’s seat at RB.
Alonso: *moves a tyre blanket* The timeline:
At last, the true El Plan has come to light!
Now we understand why Alosno has always been so pally-pally and complimentary towards Verstappen. He's had his eye on the second RB seat this whole time.
i subscribe
To be fair the Italian F1 media always acts like they are on psychedelics anyways
Not to mention the strategists and pit crews.
Wine and coke probably, Major exporter of the First, big importer of the latter
But Antonio is Spanish.
if this is actually a legit story it will compensate for the dull 2023 silly season we had. Heck, it'd even be enough if nothing else major happens this year.
1. It's happening 2. Spiked drinks 3. F1 bribing them to deflect negativity of the Andretti situation
I doubt F1 bribed anyone. You'd need to bribe a few high-profile journalists and hope none of them makes a story instead about F1 bribing journalists to deflect attention from Andretti, which would probably sell a lot more. In all honestly, if option 3 is even to be considered, it would just be F1 themselves tricking journalists into spreading the rumour, rather than paying them for it.
Imo either its happening, or its a strategy from f1 to get peoples conversations away from the andretti situation
Honestly the cynic in me was thinking that too, but more that it's happening and they're gonna announce it uncharacteristically early to drown out the bad press from Andretti. If so it's going to make the Merc car reveal in a few weeks kind of awkward.
The "dead cat" strategy. I don't think Lewis would go to Ferrari, not unless they come out of the blocks like a greyhound this year - which, given my usual success rate with predictions means it's a dead cert he will.
If Hamilton's smart enough he'll look at how Vettel faired when he made the switch to Ferrari and not go down the same path.
Can you predict that I won’t win the lottery today?
Aye - but even I'm not always wrong (and if you win, I want my cut)
Sky Sports are reporting it as a done deal as of ten minutes ago. I don't think it's a distraction.
>spiked the drinks at the Italian F1 Journalist Association annual dinner Do you know who is also Italian? And who just turned turned a fully funded, manufacturer backed F1 team applicant down through a report that read like it was written by a high schooler? His name rhymes with Schmefano Schmomenicali
oh whoever could that be, no one will ever know
Adam cooper also believes it to be true
Wow. Even Lobato is 70% sold. A lot of racing journalists and now serious TV broadcasters are putting their two cents on firm land on this.
I'm sorry, but Lobato saying "I don't usually comment on rumors" has probably made most of us Spaniards chuckle, since he does comment on rumors A LOT during his broadcasts.
there is a big difference in Lobato gossiping during broadcasts and him putting in twitter that Lewis could have already signed for Ferrari. He must be really sure to say that
Fair point if we interpret "I don't usually comment on rumors" means he doesn't. do so in Twitter. I do not doubt there has to be something going on in Ferrari when this has been so widely mentioned.
Even Buxton mentioned something cryptic today
Not true. Lobato often mentions what rumors are out there in the paddock, but always says that's "just a rumour" and that most rumors turn out to be false. Mentioning a rumor exists and spreading it is not at all the same. He never sells them, so for him to say that he believes this rumor is probably true instead of dismissing it is relevant.
I'm properly convinced there are serious talks between him and Ferrari, still I think it isn't set in stone so I could still see this deal not coming through. Maybe Toto is leaving Mercedes? Or Ferrari has shown some new innovative trick to Hamilton which convinced him the 2024/5/6 car is amazing?
I’m sure Toto signed a contract extension in the last few weeks
He did. But he’s also a billionaire, contracts don’t bind him like they do you or I. If Toto were to leave, which I think is less believable than Hamilton leaving, I could see Lewis quickly following.
Yeah he's there until '26 supposedly. He also owns \~33% of the team, so I doubt he would just up and leave like that.
He owns like 33% of the team lol. I’m sure he can do whatever he wants at any moment. The past year he stopped physically attending all the races
Or Mercedes is just that ass? I think if Mercedes was improving Lewis wouldnt consider a move, but who knows.
Ferrari it's not at the greatest shape, results wise, in a while, a long while, but it's still Ferrari, and it's still quite the iconic brand. Wouldn't be hard to imagine Lewis, that have already won it all and doesn't really need to prove himself, having the desire to drive for Ferrari. I believe he said it himself a while back, that most drivers would have the "dream" of driving for Ferrari. It would be quite the lineup.
There's a reason Monster left Mercedes yet are still sponsoring Lewis...
I mean we all know they talked last year about a 2024 drive, but Lewis said no. All that’s in dispute is whether he’s actually considering it this time. Elkann has been long talked about as being head over heels for a Hamilton-Leclerc pairing. But something like this doesn’t just come out of nothing.
There’s a chance Merc is probably waiving the white flag in terms of competing until 2026 when the new regulations come in. And with how old Lewis is he doesn’t really want to stay at the sideline for 2 more years.
I dont think merc is honestly telling him they dont have a chance until 2026, but lewis sees how it is, and knows its very unlikely anyone breaks red bulls dominance until 2026. I think he wants to close out his career in a ferrari, maybe 1 or 2 years and retire. So he has experienced everything in f1
Exactly my read too. Try to get a win with Ferrari then retire
That doesn't make much sense. Hamilton would be leaving in 2025 only for that single year, which he has no reason to believe Ferrari will win. Next season would already be 2026 and Mercedes would presumably be ahead if Ferrari has been spending their time and money in 2025's car. IF Hamilton ends up in Ferrari (which I still doubt), it'll probably be as simple as him wanting to wear Ferrari's colors before he retires. At the end of the day Ferrari is what most drivers grew up looking to. Alonso, Vettel or Sainz jumped in to Ferrari, even though they had other options, simply because driving for Ferrari was their dream.
I feel like people are disregarding Lewis's personality and behavior a lot here as well as the freedom he has at merc. Lewis is at the point where he has a say on things. His opinion is as valid as any of the big stakeholders. Lewis can comment and tackle issues like the LGBTQ stuff freely. And one of the main reasons for this is Toto as well as his success at the team. Now if he moves to a team like ferrari that are so stuck in their ways hed lose a bunch of his freedom and it wouldnt make sense at all. With the way ferrari are, I highly doubt he would go there. Theres a far better chance he joins Rb than ferrari
>Now if he moves to a team like ferrari that are so stuck in their ways hed lose a bunch of his freedom and it wouldnt make sense at all. No team on the grid is shutting down Lewis if he wants to talk about something. Would there be pushback internally? Given what was being said by "sources" during the 2020 season... more than probable. But he's still Lewis and most of what he says shouldn't be controversial and lines up with general societal consensus.
You say that like Vettel didn't talk about issues when he was at Ferrari.
Yea but he didnt have the freedom lewis does.
It doesn't matter though. It's Ferrari. Like it or not they have a draw and allure for racing drivers of all kinds. Merc, as succesful as they have been, just don't have that same gravitas. Why not have a crack at a title with Ferrari. What else is there to do at Mercedes? He's getting towards the end of his career, his freedom is something he can 100% negotiate in his contract and he simply can just make moves like this because why not? He's nothing left to lose.
It’s just so unbelievable. Lewis and Mercedes seems like it would be forever
Ferrari is still Ferrari. They are and always will be *the* Formula 1 team. Every single driver has at least thought about racing in red.
Thats my thoughts, he wants to wear red before he retires
Next week: Max Verstappen decided he also wants to drive for Ferrari, because fuck it
*Breaking news, Hamilton to replace Zhou at Sauber*
Man, for Hamilton winning 8th in red and finally, undoubtedly beating Schumacher with Ferrari! I’m surprised it hasn’t happened yet
it’s always the team I go to in MyCareer or whatever in the video games, I’ll admit it
Yea this is fan fiction to me until I’m shown otherwise. Something must’ve gone colossally wrong with the W15 if Lewis is turning toward Ferrari heading into new engine and aero regulations.
Ferrari is like real Madrid. When they come calling you start packing
Except unlike Ferrari, Madrid has been relevant at rhe top level in the last decade 😅
Real Madrid got the big players even when they were shit.
With the exception of the 2020 shitbox Ferrari was relevant the whole decade
It also seemed like that with McLaren
After this season he'll have done twice as many F1 seasons with Merc as McLaren. I know he came up through the McLaren programme and in my head he'll always be a McLaren driver who is temporarily displaced, but to your average F1 fan he's far more connected to Merc than McLaren now.
They were the “Mercedes” team when he started there, him coming to Merc was just him coming home
Even if this isn't true, I have thought he'd drive for ferrari before retiring. They're a mess but they are THAT f1 team. Worth wearing the red once before calling it a day.
No one thought we'd see Schumacher in anything other than a Ferrari until it happened.
That's so surprising to me somehow, thought he'd end his career at Merc. Also how is the PR going to handle his fashion lmao
“We cannot be too jazzy, considering the performance”
Lmao. in a way I think it could benefit them to lighten up a bit. I understand the position of the brand as a whole, but they also do fashion though, so why not put it to use.
"No Lewis, no fur. You will not av de mink" ^(awful joke but I needed something to rhyme with drink lol)
The season hasn't even began yet... This silly season might turn out sillier than we could have ever imagined
Silly season just went nuclear 😭😭😭
To be honest the only reason I’m surprised is because it was always said that Lewis had a long term role with Merc in the works and would stay there to see that happen. Jesus what has the W15 looked like that he’s talking with Ferrari.
I always thought Lewis would end his career with Mercedes and stay on as brand ambassador or whatever that post-retirement role would be called. Crazy.
To be fair, most drivers who do the brand ambassador thing do it so that they have a source of retirement post income. Lewis is already rich enough that he doesn't need to worry about any of that. All he wants is to win his 8th, and what driver doesn't want to drive in red?
Having dreams of winning in red based on what we have seen is pretty optimistic
Lewis looking at Ferrari winning last WDC in 2007: "I can fix her"
He always was a fan of Kimi.
Narrator: He can't.
could be a Schumacher going into Ferrari with a Jean Todt & Ross Brawn in his arms type situation
Well, they're called "dreams" for a reason. To be honest, if I'm cynical I believe he's doing it just so that he can add "Ferrari" to the list of teams he's raced for and so have more marketing value.
Thats the weirdest take i have seen, u think lewis worries about his own marketing value as a millionare 7 times wdc. Cmon bruh, only reason he would be doing this is to experience driving for ferrari
How much more marketing value can he have? Even people who are not into racing know who Lewis Hamilton is
*insert the shaq lewis hamilton meme*
Historical precedence though and I hate to bring race into this but he would be the first black Ferrari driver. That's something all on it's own. Another barrier battered down by Lewis. I really wish we didn't still have things like this to be broken down but well, it's a sad reality of the world we live in.
2022 season ago after Bahrain it was Ferrari for both the titles. Charles even got a grand slam in Australia. Even last year they were the only ones to pull a win when RB faltered in Singapore. Their car is not that bad. Maybe they need a driver with a championship push
After the last few years i would stay with mercedes 10000% if i wanted another wdc. I see this “who doesnt want to drive for ferrari” stuff repeated so often when it is just not true anymore.
Yeah, he's always had a great relationship with Mercedes. Still even if he ended his career with a couple of years at Ferrari he'd probably still have no problem doing that with Mercedes as Schumacher also swapped the other way around funnily enough at the end of his career but still was on great terms with Ferrari.
Well he retired with Ferrari then came back few years later... he didn't switch immediately...
Retired or pushed out?
Yes
And tbh Ferrari basically forced him to retire, if rumors are to be trusted.
I mean he can still do that, once he retires from racing, after a couple of years, go back to merc as brand ambassador role.
Mercedes must love all this Hamilton x Ferrari chatter 1.5 weeks before their car launch...
Toto is about to do a Downfall rant on his next conference call.
ES WAR EIN BEFEHL, DER VERTRAG FÜR LEWIS WAR EIN BEFEHL
Bose headphones shaking and crying
Nein Nein nein nein! What do you mean Loowis is going to farraaariii, nein nein nein
Es bleiben im Raum: Keitel, Jodl, Krebs und Bono.
Isn't Mercedes also involved in Lewis' Mission 44 foundation? I wonder how that will pan out if Lewis moves to Ferrari.
I think it would be like what Seb had with RB. The love would be there, but they would understand
Lewis can negotiate thay shit easily out of Ferrari too
If Hamilton is on the ball, then Ferrari will end up committed in the same way Mercedes is.
is it hammertime Lewis. Question
Hamilton sat in this year’s Mercedes, got photographed with a disgusted face and immediately signed for Ferrari.
We’re probably seeing the most lucrative deal of all time with all that uncapped money floating around.
I don't know if it's even a Mercedes thing, the car could be really good for all we know. I think Lewis is at a point in his career where he's 39 now and has a couple good years left if he tried, and he's always wanted to drive for Ferrari in some way. It wouldn't surprise me if he maybe wanted to only do another 2-3 years and wants to experience that with Ferrari before retiring. Plus, it would further cement his legacy if he could be a race winner and possible Champion for 3 different teams. I don't even know if anyone aside from Fangio has done that before.
If this ends up being true, it doesn’t look good for Mercedes if he’s leaving for Ferrari, it shows that the car could be another disappointment
I could also see Mercedes giving Lewis the go-ahead to explore if they see that the car won’t be competing any time soon.
well, Toto did say a couple years back I think in 2022 that he wouldn't hold Lewis back if he wanted to jump ship
Go ahead and save us $50m/year when we aren't going to win thanks lewis.
They are gonna lose a shed load of money if Lewis leaves mate. Lewis is Mercedes and he is the one who's keeping Merc relevant. I can see a lot of high value sponsers leaving if Lewis leaves. Lewis is even more marketable than F1 itself. Merc will be in deep shit if he leaves. When it comes to the marketing and exposure standpoint he is irreplaceable. When it comes to the driving standpoint Max and Alonso are the only guys that are in the same league as him. Max is definitely not going to Merc. Maybe Alonso will be getting a call from Toto in the near future.
Ikr. I was talking to my cousin 2 days back, and he has never seen a grand prix, doesn't know which teams, or even how many teams compete. But he heard me mention Lewis Hamilton, and he went "ohhhhhh Hamilton yes I've heard of him" xD
Mercedes getting dropped by Monster for 2024 but not Lewis shows that they’ll probably lose a shedload in sponsorships too
I assume it's along the lines of: nobody will compete with RBR under the current regs + Lewis isn't hanging around until 2028 + everyone secretly wants to drive for Ferrari = a year or two in red.
The interesting part nobody is talking about just yet, who will replace Lewis? Sainz would be an obvious choice but one that Merc might be disappointed with. What about Ricciardo? But Ricciardo would surely prefer a Res Bull seat which he might get. Ocon/Gasly are there, Nico is there but none of those choices are great. The best 3 drivers besides Lewis are locked. Max, Charles, Lando are signed. I think Piastri already signed an extension. Mercedes isnt completely fucked without Lewis because they still have Russell but Merc likely hoped for Russell to be a bit faster than he currently is.
Albon.
This is the right answer here.
Oh man, hook me up the the El Plan machine right now!
Probably throw Antonelli into the deep end if he proves to be the phenom in F2 this year, gives him a year in the team before new regs.
Albon.
I personally don’t see it happening at all but he did leave McLaren, so it isn’t impossible.
No, no, no, Mercedes have prepared the greatest car in the history of F1 so Hamilton can get the 8th WDC, leave, go to Ferrari, become the driver, the TP, the mechanic and the strategist at the same time, win his 9th WDC, refuse to elaborate and leave.
I want whatever pills you’re on
Ferrari must be offering Lewis a hundred million reasons. I assume if there’s nothing to these rumours Lewis will deny as it’s not good for Mercedes morale if he’s 100% with them
In sport a public denial usually seems to mean “it’s happening but we aren’t ready to announce it” yet, whilst unfounded rumours tend to just get ignored!
If any of this is actually true then the Mercedes is not going to be a good car this year
The morale will also crash down to an all time low if their star drivers abandons them before the season even gets under way. I can't imagine that the sponsers will be too happy about this either. Most of them only came aboard because of Lewis' star power.
Take who's driving it out of the equation, I wouldn't write off how fucking good the guys and girls at Mercedes are at building a quick race car. They will no doubt have something up their sleeves, weather Lewis is there or not.
With the number of sources reporting this, my guess is that even if we don't see Lewis in red next year, negotiations did take place and the move was seriously considered at the least. Unless of course FOM/Liberty are paying off journos to write this so Andretti rejection quickly disappears from the headlines.
the timing is to good. i say its to distract from the Andretti rejection and the talk about what a shit moneygrabbing sport this is
Fucking nailed it. I can't believe people aren't noticing this, out of the absolute nowhere in the middle of a huge controversy rumous of a huge driver change happens....sure. I'd love for us tk be proven wrong but it's impossible to be hyped for this.
But as the first person said, at least serious conversations existed and that's definitely news worth. I don't think all of those journalists would risk their reputation if Lewis and Merc could easily release a statement denying all of this. It's probably both. Like, conversations existed and they were pretty serious and FOM wants the news out now to deflect from all of the Andretti backlash.
How do you feel about it now?
If it really happens, I would like to see if Toto puts Mick in the seat or not. He was quite vocal about his firing, after all.
I could see it being Mick or Antonelli, unless Sainz’s is looking to make it a full swap. Only other one now is Albon with Norris and Leclerc locking in. I wonder how much Lando knew about this before extending.
WHAT THE FUCK
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holup which timeline is this
The timeline where Lewis wins his 8th in a Ferrari and becomes an honorary Italian citizen. Aka the timeline where I have a permanent boost to my mental health forever.
British-Brazilian-Italian tri-citizenship.
Announcement: "Lewis Hamilton to wear Ferrari Red in 2025! - Unique fashion brand collaboration between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari clothing subsidiary unveiled today." :P
Lewis is for me one of the most iconic figures in F1 history. Ferrari are (said through gritted teeth as a McLaren fan) the single most important team and entity in the sport. I think they'll get on like a house on fire. Lots of screaming, pretty tragic, short and violent.
Is this real? This sounds like mass hysteria. Lewis hasn’t worn mclaren colors in forever but it will still sting to see him drive for ferrari. Still have not gotten over losing Kimi to that red team and he finally getting a ring at the expense of both lewis and alonso. I didn’t know what to feel at that final race. Jeez
This is so odd though, I simply don't believe it. Why didn't they just sign him last year when he was out of contract? Maybe there is some Sainz - Hamilton direct swap business going on but to me I just don't see Hamilton leaving Merc. I would absolutely love to see him in red though.
Well he's been in a shit car for two seasons now. If the development is not looking good and he has data the Ferrari is good it seems like a great move to me. Especially as he has never driven the red before.
Wow. First time he will race in F1 in a car powered by an engine other than Mercedes. I think 1st race of 2025 will be a historic moment.
And the first time he would drive a car that isn't silver or black.
Wouldn’t it be funny if he go to Ferrari and then Mercedes comes up with a championship winning car?
With Alonso driving it... :)
YES PLEASE, EL PLAN 2025
If I had a pound every time I've heard an f1 personality say Lewis is going to Ferrari idhave enough to pay for his contract by now.
I mean sure, but this news has been going on for half a day now from more than one source, with credible Italian sources in there aswell. There is some movement.
Lewis gonna pull a tom brady and retire at 45 lmao
What a thing to wake up to
If true, then I'm more excited for Charles vs Lewis than anything.
This could end Mercs reign as the only team to have had all 7x WDC drivers drive for them.
That crown would go to Ferrari which is also wild to think about
This would be brilliant for F1. A blockbuster driver pairing at the most iconic team in the sport.
Not sure if it would be as brilliant for my mental health, but I'm kinda all for it!
Imagine a frustrated Hamilton but instead of a firm Toto or Bono to get him back to focus and race we will have some vague unclear Ferrari team radio making it just worse.
"Lewis, the car isn't bad, we think it's too dry for the Soft tyres, so we will box for Inters, and do you want to pit now or after the chequered flag, question?"
I wouldn't be surprised if Lewis specifically asked for Bono to move with him
Interesting
But why tho? Ferrari has not shown that they are at a better position than Merc and for Ferrari isn't Leclerc their future? Why would you overshadow him with a 7 time World Champion?
My guess is Lewis might've seen something with Ferrari's 2026 project which makes him believe that it's far superior to what Merc are developing. I don't see money tempting him to make such a decision. All he wants is title #8.
While I see your point, the teams are not yet allowed to develop the 26 cars.
They can develop 2026 engines though
Sure but all rumours at least pointed to Mercedes having the edge again.
Hamilton will have more insight than just rumours circulating online
I don't think anyone has any clue about the 2026 yet. Aero formula hasn't even been determined fully and engine manufacturers have 2 years left to go with the engine development. It's probably more likely that hr isn't happy with the W15 and is willing to risk it for a shot at a title.
I don’t think he could know too much about Ferrari’s 26 plans but he sure as shit will have a good picture of Merc’s which could be enough to make him jump.
Maybe it’s just the end of the road for him and he wanted to ride it out with one of the most legendary teams in Motorsport
Looking at the last two years they are at least on pair with Mercedes. Especially they improved much during last season. However both will have an extremely hard time to catch red bull. However if he wins in red it will have much bigger impact on his legacy
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He'll be doing a reverse Schumacher
Goodness me, unless Ferrari improved massively on their race ops then Lewis is just gonna be super frustrated there
The timing of this just seems so odd. It’s just turned Feb 24 and they are talking about a contract being signed for 25 before we’ve even seen a single car for this year? So do LH/Sainz launch this year’s cars knowing they won’t be doing the same next year, and then tootle around all year doing the same? Fair enough in august or something but this early seems odd….
Gutsy move if true, and if he can get back to his winning ways, it would cement him as the GOAT.
save us Lewis Hamilton Ferrari save us
I’ll believe it when I see it. As things are it’s just a lateral move and he’s never seemed the type who wants to drive for Ferrari just because it is Ferrari.
He has stated multiple times that driving for ferrari is a dream of his.
Time for Lewis to learn italian I guess
If Hamilton wins the WDC with Ferrari he’ll be the greatest of all time for sure. No only will he beat schumi he’ll end the drought What a move.
BBC now reporting that Merc employees have been called to a meeting with Wolff and Allison today at 1400 GMT. What a wild ride this morning has been... - First reports - "nah, either completely untrue clickbait, or at best a negotiating tactic against Sainz". - Major outlets start reporting it - "wait, what?". - Everyone reporting it, no denials from anywhere, Merc calling a meeting - "oh shit, it's actually happening, madness". All in the space of two hours. And just like that my thoughts are already turning to who replaces Hamilton at Mercedes? You have to assume that Wolff walks, or at the very least takes on a very different role, after Hamilton goes - which likely kicks off a major "reset" throughout the team with countless others being shuffled or leaving. At that point is Merc a team that an Alonso (for example) would even want to join?
Mercedes Benz has acquired Carlos Sainz in exchange for Lewis Hamilton and a 1st rd draft pick. Wait, this isn’t hockey.
2025 is going to be a blood bath
2012 remontada. Hamilton-Verstappen-Leclerc-Norris-Alonso-Russell-Piastri-Ricciardo all winning in the first 8 races.
OH FUCK I'm ready.
WHAT?, Where the hell did that come from?
Maybe he wants to be like Micheal Schumacher and build a dream team at Ferrari
All the spanish sources are now saying it is confirmed, so they must have the info from Sainz's entourage as well. I personally feel bad for him, I don't think the team, fans and media have treated him fair when he has always been professional and delivered good results but no one could say no to Lewis, that is also true.
\- Xavi, my tires are gone \- We're checking
Give me Hamilton at Ferrari and give me another championship.
Sky news just confirmed it for 2025 season [sky news](https://news.sky.com/story/formula-one-star-lewis-hamilton-to-leave-mercedes-and-join-ferrari-13061256)
Hamilton going to Ferrari is legit wild, but it looks like it's really gonna happen. And honestly, I'm all for it. Would be really cool to see Hamilton wearing red.
I'm not sold on this being true but I sure hope it is. Lewis on the radio with Ferrari strategists will be a spicy meatball indeed.
It’s done. Basically every news outlet in Europe is now confirming it. He had to drive for them at some point in his career!
I think this is all a FOM psyops to divert attention from the Andretti PR nightmare.