Lewis Hamilton’s 11-year Mercedes tenure will come to an end this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – one of the greatest partnerships in Formula 1 history.
The Brit joined them as a one-time champion following six seasons with McLaren and leaves with the greatest legacy of any driver in the sport.
Six drivers’ championships, 84 victories and 78 pole positions (the most of any single person with any team ever) proves just how special the combination of a very impressive Hamilton and Silver Arrows has been.
But it nearly didn’t happen back in 2012 after a dispute over the details of his contract – where Mercedes valued his services differently from how he did.
How Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes deal nearly fell through over £3 million dispute
Those who were around at the time will remember how much Hamilton was blasted for leaving a race-winning outfit to join a midfield team that had only won once in three years.
It was a risk, and one that he was willing to take, aware that he may never get to win a championship again – but it all turned out to be a masterstroke.
Speaking to Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd’s YouTube channel, ex-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone revealed how he offered to pay to make sure Hamilton’s deal got over the line.
“My involvement was basically, there was a little bit of an argument at one stage over payment,” he said.
“What he wanted and what they wanted to pay and the boss then of Mercedes was pretty fixed on what they thought it ought to be.
“I think it was about £3 million apart. I said well ‘If you don’t want to pay, I will’. Lewis at that time, according to Niki as well, would be ideal for Formula 1.”
Can Hamilton achieve his fairytale Formula 1 ending?
Moving to Ferrari for 2025 could bring Hamilton problems, but with the level of experience he has now, he has faced most things.
New teammate Charles Leclerc is a stud in qualifying trim – something he has struggled massively with in 2024 in comparison with current teammate George Russell.
He will need to find some sort of improvement before the new season starts or he risks starting every race on the backfoot – something which isn’t very sustainable for a title charge.
READ MORE: Why Eddie Jordan thinks Max Verstappen must take some ‘blame’ for Sergio Perez’s downfall at Red Bull
He may also have to renew his infamous rivalry with Max Verstappen and Red Bull, who are eager to beat Hamilton’s record of four titles in a row and claim their fifth consecutive triumph.
In all likelihood, they will be at the top, meaning that the seven-time champion will have to find a bit more than pace, and perhaps get his arms out a bit more on track.
Leave feedback about this