Lewis Hamilton hints at Ferrari bond amidst Mercedes commitment
- Rob Fleming
- 14 December 2023
In a recent revelation, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, shed light on his enduring connection with key figures at Ferrari.
This all despite his steadfast commitment to Mercedes until at least the conclusion of 2025.
Hamilton's rumoured flirtation with Ferrari, as suggested by Red Bull's Christian Horner, has been a topic of intrigue among F1 enthusiasts. However, Hamilton clarified the nature of his relationship with Ferrari chairman John Elkann, emphasizing a friendship that dates back to a chance meeting at a Google camp in Sicily.
"I know John really well. We met years ago in a Google camp in Sicily," Hamilton disclosed, underlining the origin of his rapport with Elkann. "That's when our friendship started, and we've always remained in touch."
The Briton's ties with Ferrari extend beyond Elkann, reaching back to his collaboration with current Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur during their time at ART Grand Prix. Hamilton clinched the 2006 GP2 Series title with the team co-founded by Vasseur, and their bond has endured throughout their F1 journeys.
"I've known Fred since 2005. We've always had a really great relationship, and we talk often, particularly since most of the time he's been in F1," Hamilton elaborated on his enduring connection with Vasseur. "Since he's been back, we've met here, we've travelled together with Toto (Wolff). That's really as far as it goes."
As the 2023 F1 season concludes, teams and drivers are now on a well-deserved break, gearing up for the anticipation of the 2024 season. The action kicks off with official pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, spanning three days from February 23 to 25 in Sakhir. It's a crucial period for teams to fine-tune their machinery ahead of the new campaign.
Hamilton's revelations about his ties with Ferrari add an intriguing layer to the narrative, showcasing the intricate web of relationships that underpin the competitive world of Formula 1. While firmly committed to Mercedes for the foreseeable future, Hamilton's connections with Ferrari highlight the human aspect of the sport, where friendships often transcend team boundaries.
