Ferrari team principal might have accepted a demand from Lewis Hamilton which Toto Wolff rejected
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Lewis Hamilton is set to begin his official work as a Ferrari driver this week, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career as he joins the Italian side. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion will be integrated into the team with a series of meetings and simulator sessions, alongside a special track outing at Fiorano. Ferrari, however, is keeping the specifics of the schedule tightly under wraps, as they anticipate a significant fan turnout. Should the public catch wind of Hamilton's presence, a flood of Tifosi would likely line the streets, turning his test into a major spectacle, which Ferrari is keen to avoid. Team principal Fred Vasseur is looking to maintain a low profile during these early days, believing that both Hamilton and the team will benefit from a concentrated focus without the distraction of fanfare.
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari comes after a notably disappointing season in 2023, statistically his worst to date. Mercedes, by the close of the year, concluded that Hamilton needed a fresh start, particularly with the arrival of Kimi Antonelli, whom the team hopes will inject new energy. Mercedes finished fourth in the standings, nearly 200 points adrift of McLaren, who claimed the championship.
There have been various reports concerning the length of Lewis Hamilton's contract with Ferrari. Officially described as a “multi-year” deal, rumors persist that Hamilton has committed to a three-year term, potentially taking him through to the end of the 2027 season, by which time he will be nearing 44 years old. This contrasts with the initial assumption that the contract was for two years with an option for a third. Lawrence Barretto, a journalist with *Formula1.com*, has shared “suggestions” that the deal is indeed a three-year contract. This extension would mark a significant leap from the negotiations Hamilton had with Mercedes in 2023, where he sought a three-year commitment. However, Toto Wolff refused his request, leaving Lewis Hamilton disappointed by what he perceived as a lack of long-term commitment from Mercedes, despite his contributions to the team's six championships. Consequently, Hamilton agreed to a one-plus-one extension at Mercedes, with an exit clause that ultimately led to his move to Ferrari.
For Lewis Hamilton, a three-year contract with Ferrari would be a significant demonstration of trust from Frederic Vasseur, acknowledging his exceptional achievements in Formula 1. However, his underwhelming 2023 season has raised some doubts within the paddock, and Lewis Hamilton will need to prove that he is not in decline. A strong performance against teammate Charles Leclerc in 2024 could help put these concerns to rest, positioning his 2023 campaign as a mere anomaly caused by the peculiarities of the Mercedes W15.
It's clear that an adjustment period is expected. The British driver’s early years at Mercedes were marked by a memorable pit-stop error when he mistakenly drove into McLaren's pit box, and any similar slip-ups at Ferrari could cost him valuable seconds in races. He must now avoid such mistakes to ensure that his transition to Ferrari is as smooth as possible.
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