“That’s literally inviting him to leave” : F1 Pundit suggests Lewis Hamilton was ‘forced’ out of Mercedes
After being with the AMG Petronas for over a decade, Lewis Hamilton is finally about to embark on an iconic journey very late in his career, after shocking the world with his move to Scuderia Ferrari. But the key details behind the curtain as to how this transfer happened were anything but smooth.
With the Briton’s contract on the verge of expiring, Mercedes initially offered him a year’s contract but eventually settled for a 1+1, which means the 39-year-old had the option to extend. Seeing this, the Italian team took advantage of the situation and offered Hamilton a multi-year contract, something which Mercedes were unable to match and an offer which the Briton could ultimately not refuse.
Lewis Hamilton would have liked to stay at Mercedes, but after viewing the offers, he basically had no choice but to move on to the Reds. This decision backfired on the Silver Arrows as fans and pundits alike hugely criticized their failure for not being able to keep the greatest F1 driver of all time, who most likely would have ended his professional career with them.
“It’s a bit of a slap in the face” : Will Buxton on Mercedes’ inefficient management regarding Hamilton’s contract
Recently, British motorsport journalist and presenter Will Buxton addressed the issue regarding the Briton’s contract, and called out the Silver Arrows for their novice and miscalculated approach of dealing with Lewis Hamilton.
“Mercedes wanted Antonelli. If they didn’t want Antonelli, they’d have given Lewis a two-year contract. How do you give a seven-time world champion a 1 + 1 ? That’s literally inviting him to leave. It’s a bit of a slap in the face ya know…,” said the 43-year-old (via DRS: De Racing Show).
Buxton also praised the Italian team for signing the Briton ahead of Mercedes’ unfortunate loss, and did not let Toto Wolff’s decision hamper this significant achievement.
“The greatest driver in history moving to statistically the greatest team in history…what a moment, what a story.” Buxton added.
Mercedes will obviously miss the presence of Lewis Hamilton in every way possible, as the Briton has spent the prime of his career with them, winning six world titles to show for it. Not to mention, financially the AMG Petronas might go on a bit of a downwards spiral as well. But for Lewis Hamilton, a special start to his special career is about to start soon.
