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BBC’s Andrew Benson reports that Lewis Hamilton’s deal with Ferrari happened at the last minute, as the Italian team was still negotiating with Carlos Sainz only “three weeks ago”.
Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes at the end of 2024 and join Ferrari, has shocked the Formula 1 world.
While it is known that Lewis has been courted by Ferrari on and off for some time, BBC reports this deal was a last minute thing.
“Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has happened quickly,” BBC’s Andrew Benson wrote.
“Three weeks ago, the Italian team were in negotiations with Carlos Sainz to extend his contract to continue after this season alongside Charles Leclerc.
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“But then Ferrari president John Elkann was made aware Hamilton could be available – which, given the seven-time champion had only signed a new two-year Mercedes contract a few months earlier, was news to Elkann.
“Talks began soon afterwards and have concluded quickly, leaving Hamilton in the undeniably tricky position of heading into the new season with the world – and his current employers – knowing his heart is now elsewhere.
“Mercedes have only known about the situation for the past 36 hours or so, and staff were told on Thursday afternoon – a few hours before the official announcement, and after the news had broken worldwide.
“They were called to a meeting with team principal Toto Wolff and technical director James Allison,” Benson concluded.
