Lewis Hamilton has revealed that Ferrari “never” actually sent him an offer to leave Mercedes at the end of the season, despite several rumours having linked the 38-year-old to the Italians.
Prior to signing a two-year extension with Mercedes ahead of the recent Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton’s future was a massive talking point.
The seven-time World Champion was linked several times to Ferrari, with the driver having reportedly received an offer from the Maranello-based team’s chairman John Elkann.
It was supposedly an offer to replace Carlos Sainz, who has since gone onto become the first non-Red Bull driver to win a race this season.
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Leaving Mercedes at the end of 2023 was never something the Brit really thought about though, with him being more than happy at the Brackley-based team.
“Not really,” Hamilton admitted, when asked if he’s contemplated leaving Mercedes for Ferrari, as reported by Blick newspaper.
In actual fact, Hamilton has insisted that he “never” received a concrete offer from Ferrari, although some “irrelevant conversations” did take place.
Ultimately, the 103-time race winner just didn’t feel “ready” to move to Italy, with driving for Mercedes very much working for his lifestyle.
“Never,” Hamilton revealed, before acknowledging that talks had taken place.
“Ok, we’ve definitely had a few irrelevant conversations. I know a lot of good people there. But I’ve never felt ready to move to Italy,” he told Blick newspaper.
Hamilton is now contracted to the Silver Arrows until the end of 2025, the last season of the current regulations.
The new power unit regulations will be introduced in 2026, with that being seen by many as Mercedes’ best bet at returning to the front and dethroning Red Bull.
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Hamilton has even noted that he could still be with the team by then, as he doesn’t necessarily see 2025 as his last season in the championship, even if he claims an eighth title.
“I never said my eighth title would be the end for me,” he said. “But I’ll only know that when I actually get there.
“Without a great car you can’t achieve the big goals in Formula 1. No one can.”