Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has appeared to disclose that Lewis Hamilton’s initial Formula 1 contract with the marque from 2025 will span three seasons.
Hamilton sent shockwaves through F1 prior to racing even taking place this season when it was announced he would be making a much-anticipated switch to Ferrari.
The Briton had signed a new deal with Mercedes last September through 2025, but it occurred that an exit clause was included which facilitated his impending move.
Reports have persisted that Hamilton was unsatisfied with Mercedes not giving him a longer-term extension, though boss Toto Wolff insisted the choice was mutual.
Ferrari’s statement to confirm the series’ most successful driver and team will come together stated that Hamilton would be arriving on a multi-year deal next season.
But Vasseur, who worked with the seven-time F1 champion in GP2 in 2006, has indicated that Hamilton has penned a three-year agreement with the Maranello squad.
“He had to make a choice: ‘Where do I have the biggest chance to win the World Championship in 2025, ’26, ’27?’ He said, ‘Ferrari’,” Vasseur told the Financial Times.
Vassuer also reiterated his stance that Hamilton’s impending arrival will be “the best way to attract good people” as he endeavours to bolster Ferrari’s technical ranks.
Hamilton will move to Ferrari having ensured that he has ended his Mercedes career with a race win having broken his elongated drought last weekend at Silverstone.
But while Vasseur expressed that he was pleased Hamilton triumphed, the Frenchman would have preferred to see outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz attain the win.
“First, I would have been more happy to give the confidence to Carlos this weekend,” Vasseur contended. “No, no, but Lewis will have time to discuss about this.
“I’m happy for him because I think he deserves it, but we’ll have time to discuss about Lewis next year.
“It’s not the topic of today. No, I have nothing to say on Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.”
