Peter Windsor dismisses notion Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton for commercial gain
Today at 03:14 PM
Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of embarking on an extraordinary new chapter with Ferrari, marking one of the most high-profile moves in Formula 1 history.
The seven-time world champion is set to join the iconic Maranello team alongside Charles Leclerc after a remarkable 12-year stint at Mercedes. Since his arrival from McLaren in 2013, Hamilton has cemented his place in F1 lore by winning six world titles with the Silver Arrows and spearheading the team's unprecedented dominance, capturing eight consecutive Constructors' Championships between 2014 and 2021. His final race for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a masterclass in perseverance, with Hamilton charging from P16 to an impressive fourth-place finish.
Lewis Hamilton's new contract with Ferrari reportedly carries a base salary of £39 million per year, potentially escalating to £83 million with performance-related bonuses. The deal extends through the 2026 season, with an option for a one-year extension. The move unites the sport's most statistically successful driver with its most illustrious team, creating a partnership loaded with potential and expectation.
While the sight of Hamilton in Ferrari red will undoubtedly captivate the racing world, not everyone agrees on the motivations behind the signing. Motorsport analyst and former Ferrari general manager Peter Windsor has expressed skepticism over the idea that commercial considerations played a significant role in Ferrari's decision.
Lewis Hamilton will take the seat currently held by Carlos Sainz, who was aware of his departure from Ferrari well before the SF-24 even hit the track in February. Carlos Sainz has since secured a multi-year deal to join Williams in 2025.
Many view Lewis Hamilton's arrival as an opportunity for Ferrari to bolster its global brand by pairing its storied legacy with the prestige of a seven-time world champion. However, Windsor believes the team's focus remains firmly on securing competitive results, arguing that Ferrari would be equally satisfied from a commercial perspective if either of their drivers were to deliver a championship victory. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Peter Windsor downplayed the notion of marketing motivations, emphasizing the team’s commitment to success on the track above all else.
"I think [there are] a lot of commercial reasons for Charles Leclerc to win the championship as well, from a Ferrari perspective, and I think they'd be very happy with either of them. I think, yes, Sir Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is a big thing. I'm not sure it was the reason that they hired him, commercial reasons. I think there's a bit of Freddy Vasseur and history going back to ART and I think there's also, he's just so good and well-rounded and he's at the right stage in his career to be right there with Charles. In other words I don't think it was: 'Well we really want Carlos Sainz, he's definitely a great racing driver but we're going to make a lot more money if we have Lewis Hamilton.' I don't think there was that much thinking along those lines, from what I gather." – the former Ferrari general manager pointed out.
The prospect of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari has undoubtedly generated immense excitement, but there are also concerns regarding how the legendary driver will fare against Charles Leclerc in this new chapter of his career. While Hamilton is expected to take the preferred right side of the garage, he will face a significant adjustment period as he acclimates to his new team, new colleagues, and the nuances of the Italian team's operations, including the language barrier.
Adding complexity to the situation is Lewis Hamilton's recent form, which has been less than stellar. His final season with Mercedes saw him finish seventh in the Drivers' Championship standings, marking his lowest-ever position in Formula 1. Moreover, Lewis Hamilton has been struggling in qualifying, with a series of poor Saturday performances undermining his race-day results. This decline in form raises questions about his ability to compete with Charles Leclerc, who has firmly established himself as a key figure at Ferrari.
Nico Rosberg, a former teammate of the British driver at Mercedes, has expressed his belief that Hamilton will be “very worried” about transferring his form from Mercedes to Ferrari. Nico Rosberg pointed out that Charles Leclerc, already a dominant figure within Ferrari and one of the best drivers over a single lap, poses a significant challenge for Hamilton, especially in the qualifying sessions where he has faltered in recent seasons.
However, not everyone shares this concern. Guenther Steiner, the team principal of Haas F1, has suggested that the challenge posed by Charles Leclerc could be exactly what Hamilton needs to reignite his career. Steiner believes that facing a driver as formidable as Leclerc might provide the motivation Hamilton needs to rediscover his peak form. The intense competition could push Lewis Hamilton to new heights, allowing him to return to the level of performance that has made him one of the most successful drivers in F1 history.
This dynamic presents an intriguing scenario for Ferrari as they aim to pair their experienced and globally renowned driver with their young star. It will be fascinating to see whether Lewis Hamilton can rise to the challenge and use Charles Leclerc's strength as a catalyst for a resurgence in his own career, or if the pressure will prove too much for the 39-year-old in this fresh environment.
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