The marriage between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari will finally happen. Indeed, it is now done. We just have to wait until next season to see it come to fruition on the track. After years of speculation, rumours and unsuccessful approaches, it has become a reality.
This historic agreement will unite the most successful driver and team in Formula 1. These icons will join forces in 2025.
Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari: Why was the marriage possible this time?
It wasn’t the first time that rumours linked the seven-time world champion to the Maranello team. Still, time was an important difference.
Negotiations were concrete, within a few days, successfully closed. Ferrari’s President has always been a Lewis Hamilton fan, and there is a direct relationship between the two based on friendship and esteem.
John Elkann has always wanted to bring the World Champion to Italy, and everything was born from his will.
After the disagreements and farewell of Mattia Binotto, John Elkann began to shape ‘his’ Ferrari, with the choice of Frederic Vasseur as Team Principal. This move was eventually seen as a stopgap but has materialised into a long-term vision. Charles Leclerc is obviously a fundamental part of this plan, and his multi-year renewal testifies to this.
At his side, however, after years of sporadic meetings – often featuring Elkann and Hamilton – the Ferrari president wanted to concretely get closer to the English driver.
Frederic Vasseur was another important piece, especially due to his bond with Lewis Hamilton, which dates back to the minor categories. This made the Frenchman a decisive figure.
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival in Maranello will be very important, not only for the experience he will be able to bring, his undoubted quality as an undisputed driver and an indisputable commercial value.
Hamilton is also relevant from more sensitive and profound points of view, which Ferrari has long embraced and promoted, such as the values of diversity and inclusion within families, groups or organizations, such as Ferrari itself.
This deal was possible thanks to, first of all, the availability and will of Lewis Hamilton. Additionally, the structure of Hamilton’s latest renewal gave him some wriggle room.
A two-year deal with the formula of one year plus an option for the second, with the possibility of exit that the Englishman clearly used to interrupt the relationship with the Brackley team at the end of 2024.
Toto Wolff wanted a ‘short’ renewal (2026) to start thinking about the Mercedes future without Hamilton. At that point, the Englishman, with the 1+1 deal, seized the newly created opportunity at Ferrari. It was a now-or-never decision.
What also convinced the Englishman in the talks undertaken with Ferrari were the technical guarantees. These include some related to the 2026 engine that is being created in Maranello, which we will elaborate on moving forward. John Elkann and Frederic Vasseur have ensured the future at Maranello for the foreseeable future.
Hamilton-Leclerc, Ferrari has its ‘dream team’ for 2026
Hamilton and Leclerc undoubtedly form something of a “dream team” for Maranello. At Ferrari, they managed to improve a lineup that was already very strong and competitive.
However, Ferrari could not turn down an opportunity like this. This decision will also satisfy Liberty Media, who have always wanted partnerships like this.
Lewis Hamilton, as we have seen, has a huge impact both within and beyond Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton’s arrival is welcomed by Charles Leclerc, who already knew discussions were ongoing.
We heard that the Monegasque is very happy. He sees this arrival in Maranello as an important and exciting challenge to face. Leclerc interprets this move positively rather than as something negative or limiting towards him.
Frederic Vasseur continues to shape ‘his’ Ferrari. Everything must be in place for the 2026 regulations.
The market for technicians will continue. This year, another important figure will arrive from Mercedes – Loic Serra. In Maranello, they have two years to continue fortifying their team before the new regulations.
The two drivers are certainly happy with their contracts. Further details will be decided in the 2026 season. In fact, both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton formally expire in 2026, with the Monegasque holding the option to renew for another two years.
The objective is to wait for the feedback from the first car of the new regulatory cycle before making long-term decisions. On an economic level, the Monegasque’s contract is an ‘upward’ contract, with a fixed base that will increase from year to year.
Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, will earn – between salary, sponsors, image rights, bonuses and more – around 100 million dollars a year, becoming one of the highest-paid drivers in the history of Scuderia Ferrari.
This turns back the clock to Michael Schumacher’s arrival in Maranello.
Authors: Paolo D’Alessandro & Giuliano Duchessa
Co-Author: Piergiuseppe Donadoni
