Ferrari’s Vasseur Confirms Decades of Talks with Lewis Hamilton: A Glimpse into F1’s Behind-the-Scenes

In a revealing conversation, Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has confirmed ongoing discussions with F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, spanning over twenty years. This insight into Ferrari’s interest in Hamilton aligns with the swirling speculation about his future in the sport.

Key Takeaways:

• Contract Renewals and Future Plans: Ferrari is actively working on renewing contracts for its current drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, aiming to finalize these agreements before the upcoming season. However, Ferrari remains open to future opportunities, reflecting a dynamic strategy in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
• Speculation Around Verstappen and Hamilton: Addressing rumors, Vasseur humorously commented on Max Verstappen’s slim chances of joining Ferrari due to his long-term Red Bull contract, while acknowledging long-term, informal talks with Lewis Hamilton.
• Hamilton’s Ongoing Mercedes Commitment: Despite the decades-long conversations with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has recently extended his contract with Mercedes, confirming his stay with the team until at least the end of 2025, alongside teammate George Russell.

In the dynamic world of Formula 1, strategic planning and foresight are key. Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, who assumed leadership at the end of 2022, is no stranger to this. As the contracts of Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc near their conclusion in 2024, Vasseur’s focus on future planning is evident.

In a candid interview with Corriere Dello Sport, Vasseur shed light on Ferrari’s off-season speculations and potential moves. One notable topic was the possibility of Max Verstappen, the Red Bull racing star, joining Ferrari. Vasseur humorously remarked, “All ten team managers would be thrilled to have him, but I think he has a contract until 2045. Let’s not waste energy talking about it, let’s focus on ourselves.”

However, the more captivating aspect of the interview was Vasseur’s comments on Lewis Hamilton. The Ferrari chief openly admitted to ongoing, albeit informal, discussions with Hamilton over the past two decades. “A possible arrival at Maranello? We have been talking for twenty years,” Vasseur humorously noted. “If every time we had a chat we had signed a contract, it would have cost me a fortune.”

This revelation gains significance against the backdrop of Hamilton’s recent contract renewal with Mercedes. Amidst speculation and uncertainty, particularly following Mercedes’ challenges with their W13 car, Hamilton reaffirmed his commitment to the team where he secured most of his world titles, at least until the end of 2025. This move not only consolidates Hamilton’s future but also sends a strong message about his loyalty and focus, further heightening the anticipation for the upcoming F1 seasons.