Hamilton stated not so long ago that he could not see himself competing in Formula One after that age. However, until recently, he would always respond, when questioned about his future, that he will spend the remainder of his racing career with Mercedes.
In an interview with BBC Sport at the conclusion of the previous season, Hamilton stated, “I think what you’ve got to learn is you should never say never.”
Hamilton made the switch to Ferrari very soon. Carlos Sainz and the Italian squad were negotiating an extension of his contract three weeks ago.
However, after the seven-time champion had just signed a new two-year Mercedes contract a few months prior, Elkann, the president of Ferrari, was informed that Hamilton might be available.
Conversations started shortly after and ended swiftly, putting Hamilton in the undoubtedly difficult situation of knowing going into the new season that his true passion is somewhere else, both for the world and his current employers.
Only the last 36 hours or so have Mercedes employees been informed of the problem; this was on Thursday afternoon, a few hours before to the formal announcement and after word of the incident had spread around the globe. They received a meeting invitation from technical director James Allison and team principal Toto Wolff.
Hamilton’s choice is similar to Fernando Alonso’s initial decision to join McLaren. Alonso still had one year left on his Renault contract when he signed that contract in late 2005, with the intention of moving in 2007.
Before leaving, in 2006, Alonso had won his second straight title with the French squad, thus it didn’t seem to worry him or his team.
