That’s behind the F1 bang: is Lewis Hamilton now turning into a red clown?

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His last change after 17 years at Mercedes Power (from 2007 at McLaren, from 2013 at the factory team) is a surprise for most Hamilton fans – and also a disappointment.

But Lewis Hamilton provides the stunner, apparently taking advantage of an exit clause. Here you can read all about the mega deal.

Should Hamilton, without a win for two years now, really earn gold again and play the red clown? Ferrari has to dig deep into the pockets of the full treasury for the Brit in Maranello – we are talking about around 70 million dollars. No driver in Formula 1 has ever earned that much.

The transfer coup is also a move by the clever and defrauded Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur (54). The Frenchman ignored his friendship with Mercedes boss Toto-Wolff (52) for once. In 2006, as ART team boss, Vasseur helped his favorite driver Hamilton win the GP 2 championship title.

Success is everything at Ferrari (the last world champion was Räikkönen in 2007). Last season they lost the team duel for second place in the World Cup against Mercedes by three points (406:409). Now they want to get even closer to Red Bull – and attack in 2025. With Charles Leclerc (26) and Lewis Hamilton.

The Monegasque was confirmed at Ferrari for several years a week ago – and in 2025 the loyal Leclerc will have to feel like a beggar for his future teammate with his salary.

It has long been clear that Ferrari only signed Carlos Sainz (29) for 2024. It will become the flagship of Audi-Sauber (from 2026) (Blick reports). More is not possible for the Spaniard, who achieved the only non-Red Bull victory at Silverstone in 2023. Leclerc last won 33 races ago – in Spielberg 2022.

It will now be a tough year for Hamilton alongside George Russell (25). It is clear that the team relies entirely on its youth – and Hamilton can hardly express wishes. And when it comes to development (including for the 2025 car), Hamilton is excluded. Every drawer or door remains locked. He is already taking his experience with him to Italy.

Hamilton: “It was eleven wonderful years at Mercedes. And we can all be proud of what we have achieved. Mercedes will always be a part of my life. It was a difficult decision, but I have to take this step. I need another challenge. I’m going to give 100 percent for Mercedes again!” But will he definitely not withdraw from the fight against Ferrari in 2024?

Lewis has probably forgotten the earlier words: “Ferrari will never be an option for me. I have had little contact with the Italians over the years. I don’t see any progress there. That’s why they never had to make me an offer!”

Now everything is different. And Hamilton now catches up with another sentence: “At the age of forty I will definitely no longer drive in Formula 1.” In 2025 he will start a new adventure at this age (only Alonso is older at 42 years).

Hamilton will have a hard time with the ambitious Leclerc. But perhaps seven-time world champion and 103-time GP winner Hamilton believes he can turn 23 pole positions (like Leclerc) into more than just four victories. Hamilton’s number of pole positions: 104.

Maranello’s brief statement about the deal: “Scuderia Ferrari is pleased that Lewis Hamilton will join the team from 2025. With a multi-year contract!”

Source : Blick