sport news Should he stay or should he go? Lewis Hamilton needs to be sitting in a ... trends now
Mail Sport on Monday revealed Ferrari’s interest in signing Lewis Hamilton, a partnership that if it came to fruition would combine the world’s most famous driver with the world’s most famous team.
As it stands, the seven-time world champion is in negotiations with Mercedes, where he has won six of his titles during a period of stupendous dominance.
The latest round of talks are dragging on, and an extension of his £40million-a-year contract beyond the end of this season is not a certainty until the ink is dry.
JONATHAN McEVOY looks at the factors that could influence Hamilton’s decision as he ponders what is likely to be his final contract.
Ferrari are set to offer Lewis Hamilton £40million deal to race in red for them next season
Loyalty
Hamilton has long insisted that gratitude for what Mercedes have given him — a car of his dreams for so long — means a lot to him. As do his relationships within the team, especially with boss Toto Wolff. They are aligned in many ways. And the team have long danced to the Hamilton beat.
Going elsewhere would be a wrench and a risk. But a hard-wired winner such as Hamilton is not given to sentimentality over tough career decisions.
Leaving McLaren, where he was sponsored by Ron Dennis, to join Mercedes for the start of the 2013 season illustrates that point. He found the fresh air rejuvenating.
Moving to Ferrari would see Hamilton's relationship with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff (pictured) come to an end
Glamour
Ferrari are also the most successful competitors in Formula One history and very few drivers can resist the allure. Indeed, Hamilton owns several of the marque’s road cars, some from the forecourt of their Beverly Hills dealership.
Several Brits have prospered at Maranello. Among them, Mike Hawthorn became Britain’s first world champion; John Surtees made himself the only man to win world titles on two and four wheels; Nigel Mansell was hailed as Il Leone by the adoring tifosi.
Hamilton has been a pantomime villain when booed on the Monza podium when he produced magical feats to thwart the Ferrari favourites, but there is no reason he would not be a cult hero if given the chance.
