Lewis Hamilton delivered a bombshell to Mercedes earlier this month by disclosing his intention to activate an escape clause in his contract, thereby sealing a move to Ferrari from 2025.
While Hamilton’s aim was to preempt speculation that could distract from his current campaign, this revelation signifies a shift in his relationship with Mercedes moving forward.
It’s highly likely that he will be excluded from participating in future technical developments, as there’s a fear that sharing such insights with Hamilton could inadvertently benefit Ferrari upon his transition.
This potential scenario intrigues Perez, particularly amidst the prospect of Mercedes engaging in a fierce rivalry with one of its competitors this season.
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Reflecting on Hamilton’s move, Perez commented, “Interesting! But more than that, I think the dynamics are going to be interesting to watch from the outside.”
He highlighted the competitive nature of F1 teams regarding information sharing, acknowledging the wealth of knowledge Hamilton would bring to Ferrari after his long tenure with Mercedes.
Verstappen, Perez’s teammate, echoed similar sentiments, expressing concerns about the timing of Hamilton’s announcement before the season commenced.
“It makes it a little bit more difficult for the entire team to work together throughout the entire year,” Verstappen remarked, emphasizing the professionalism required to navigate such challenges.
Regarding Hamilton’s decision to switch teams, Verstappen remarked, “You can’t give an honest assessment… but if he’s happy with that move, then he should go.”
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Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has implications for the driver market, with a coveted spot at Mercedes alongside George Russell now vacant.
Perez anticipates an early start to the F1 driver market “silly season” as teams scramble to secure top talent in light of these developments.
“I’m sure that most of the drivers are going to be willing to get things done a lot earlier in the year,” Perez remarked, emphasizing the importance of focusing on performance amidst the uncertainties of contract negotiations.