Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby has admitted that Lewis Hamilton could possibly move to Ferrari, with it being a switch that he personally wouldn’t “rule out”.
2023 has already started disappointedly for the seven-time World Champion, with him having revealed that Mercedes are possibly “further behind” the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari than they were at the start of last season.
All three Free Practice sessions at the Bahrain Grand Prix have suggested just that, with the Silver Arrows having been comfortably slower than Red Bull and Aston Martin.
Mercedes seem to be on a par with Ferrari, who are also experiencing a few issues at the Bahrain International Circuit.
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Being on a par with Ferrari isn’t what Hamilton will want, though, with the 38-year-old still targeting an eighth World Championship.
The early indicators are already suggesting that 2023 won’t be his year, with some questioning if he could leave Mercedes at the end of the season.
Whilst it’s been expected that Hamilton will sign a new contract, nothing has yet been signed by the British driver, meaning he’s currently set to leave the Germans at the end of this season.
Should Hamilton leave Mercedes, then Lazenby believes a switch to Ferrari could be on the cards, with Hamilton having admitted in the past himself that “he would like to drive” for the Italians.
“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Lazenby told Express Sport.
“I think if anyone deserves an opportunity to be in the best possible car to be racing Max Verstappen it’s Lewis Hamilton. He’s not going to join Red Bull while Max is there. It’s the desire of all drivers to drive for Ferrari.
“In the past, Lewis has been quoted as saying he would like to drive for Ferrari. If Ferrari moves comfortably ahead of Mercedes I wouldn’t rule it out.”
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Hamilton revealed to Sky Italia in the past that he always receives a “pretty amazing” welcome by the Tifosi, with the driver admitting himself that it’s a “dream for anyone” to race for Ferrari.
“For many years, when I came to Monza, walking next to the fans… I could hear them saying ‘Come to Ferrari!'” Hamilton previously told Sky Italia.
“This warmed my heart, but it’s pretty amazing that I’ve never driven for Ferrari in so many years. Because it is a dream for anyone, a goal to be achieved.”