© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
BBC’s Andrew Benson provides an analysis of Lewis Hamilton’s alleged move to Ferrari, and says the controversial finish of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix pays a role in his decision.
While the Formula 1 world is eagerly awaiting an official confirmation of Lewis Hamilton’s alleged Ferrari deal, BBC’s Andrew Benson provides an analysis of the move.
“Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is one of the biggest – and most surprising – stories in F1 for years,” Benson wrote.
“Hamilton has always insisted he wanted to spend the rest of his career and beyond with Mercedes – likening his situation to that of the late Stirling Moss, who was a Mercedes ambassador for his whole life.
“But things have changed and Hamilton has decided he cannot turn down the lure of Ferrari, whose history, legend and mystique is always a strong pull for any F1 driver.
“Hamilton remains the biggest star in F1, as well as its most successful ever driver, and his decision to leave Mercedes is a huge blow to a team with whom he signed a new two-year contract only a few months ago.
“His decision is as big a vote of confidence in Ferrari’s team principal Frederic Vasseur – with whom Hamilton has remained close since working with him in the junior categories – as it is the opposite for Mercedes.
“Both have struggled against Red Bull in the last two years since new rules were introduced but Hamilton must see something in Ferrari’s progress over the latter part of last season.”
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Benson adds the controversial finish of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix plays a role in Lewis’ decision.
“It’s impossible to consider the reasons behind this move, or its consequences, without the context.
“Hamilton was badly hurt by the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He believes he was robbed of an eighth world title by race director Masi’s failure to follow the rules correctly with the operation of a safety car late in that race.
“Since then, he has been driven by a desire to avenge that injustice – even if he has not quite put it that way in public.
“With Mercedes, back in 2012, his judgement was remarkable – he proved wrong everyone who doubted his decision to move from McLaren, and embarked on the most successful period an F1 team and driver have ever had together.
“Has he got it right again, or has he just made a decision he will ultimately regret?” the Briton concluded.
