SUMMARY
- Lewis Hamilton officially signed his contract with Ferrari for 2025 and beyond, with the announcement arriving on Thursday morning.
- Charles Leclerc was reportedly aware of Hamilton's arrival and may have had an impact on the decision to extend his Ferrari contract.
Ferrari’s 2023 season proved to be one of their failed attempts to try to get to the top. While the team challenged the three-time champion, Max Verstappen, a few times, they ultimately failed to get past Mercedes. However, as the news of Lewis Hamilton switching to Ferrari came about leaving fans excited and surprised, it was first Charles Leclerc‘s contract extension that was announced.
Until now, Ferrari and their strategy move to get Hamilton on the team for 2025 has had many rumors revolve around it. Starting with a rumor itself, the Briton’s switch to Maranello was confirmed in no time and soon Mercedes put out official statements regarding the champion’s switch. While the switch left Hamilton hopeful for his 8th title, could it have helped Ferrari with their ulterior motive to sign Leclerc?
Did Ferrari sign Lewis Hamilton to attract Charles Leclerc’s attention?
Charles Leclerc has been proven to be one of the wittiest and charming drivers on the grid. While the Monegasque has made his name for the many race wins and becoming a vice-champion to Max Verstappen in 2022, there’s only more for the young driver to achieve. However, when compared to Lewis Hamilton’s achievements in and out of the sport, it is safe to say Hamilton has become a brand.
While this tag of being a brand has helped him only increase his influence in and out of the sport, rumors of Ferrari’s market capital value spiking up after his switch made things twice as interesting. However, it seems that the switch was not a surprise after all considering the Monegasque was aware of Hamilton signing a contract with Ferrari and the little hints that were missed through the season.
#F1 | Carlo Vanzini told SkySportsF1 that Charles Leclerc knew of Lewis’ 2025 arrival before he signed his new long-term contract extension.
Carlos Sainz was also aware that Lewis Hamilton would be replacing him in 2025; for a couple of weeks now.
— deni (@fiagirly) February 1, 2024
Leclerc had been given the news of Hamilton joining the Monza team in 2025 before his contract extension. As per Carlo Vanzini, the Briton agreed on a deal with Ferrari during the 2023 season while also negotiating with the Silver Arrows. However, after having a release option in his contract, the champion accepted to stay with the team.
Nevertheless, it soon was revealed that Hamilton decided against waiting another year to test the car as a Brackley outfitter and signed with Ferrari. It was after the Briton signed with the Prancing Stallion that Leclerc went ahead with his long-term contract extension. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz was also aware of being replaced by Hamilton by the end of the 2024 season.
Charles Leclerc hints at Lewis Hamilton’s switch
The news came in when least expected after Andretti Global bore with the rejection of entering the sport. However, it was reported that Leclerc and Sainz were both aware of Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari before the Monegasque’s contract extension. Nevertheless, it seems that the race-winner was hinting at the champion’s switch long before during the 2023 season.
During a press conference, Leclerc was asked about his future partner at Ferrari and who would he like it to be and with no hesitation, the answer was a simple, “Hello Lewis”. The Ferrari star talked about wanting to team up with the seven-time champion and the inspiration that Hamilton has been.
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While it seems like a stretch, it looks like the team had already reached some agreement with the star. As he soon wraps up his season with the Silver Arrows team, the champion will now be making his visits to Maranello and driving for the Prancing Horse. Although the outcome has many possibilities, Hamilton will now be joining the list of many legends who have driven for the legendary Scuderia Ferrari team.