F1 Broadcaster Claims Sporting Reasons Are Not the Only Motivation for Lewis Hamilton’s $100 Million Ferrari Move

F1 Broadcaster Claims Sporting Reasons Are Not the Only Motivation for Lewis Hamilton’s $100 Million Ferrari Move
Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images

Lewis Hamilton will end his 12-year association with Mercedes after the 2024 season concludes and move to Ferrari. Frustrations with Mercedes’ performance and his desire to compete for wins again were reportedly the motivation for Hamilton to complete this switch. According to Alex Brundle, however, there are other “non-sporting” factors.

Advertisement

Hamilton reportedly earned $50 million a season at Mercedes. He extended his contract in 2023, for two more seasons, but just months later, signed a new deal with Ferrari that would reportedly see him get a $100 million annual payment. Brundle feels that it is “human nature” to go after a move like this.

“Offer to double anyone’s money. Whether you’re making 200 quid a day and are offered 400 quid. Or you’re making 50 million and are offered a 100. Doesn’t matter,” said Brundle in The Racing Pilot podcast. “Offer to double someone’s money, it’s clearly an incentive.”

Advertisement

Brundle acknowledged that Mercedes’ underperformance played its part in making Hamilton leave the Silver Arrows. He recalled Mercedes’ frustrating ordeal in Melbourne last month, where Hamilton had to retire before he could even try fighting with a rather uncompetitive car at his disposal.

Incidents like this piling up, in addition to a lucrative offer from Ferrari motivated the Briton to move away from the Brackley-based outfit, per Brundle.

Lewis Hamilton’s woeful start to 2023

Earlier this season, Hamilton admitted that 2024’s start has been the worst of his career so far. In the first four races, his best finish has been P7, which he achieved in Bahrain and Japan. In Jeddah, he finished P9 and that was followed by a DNF in Melbourne.

To add to his woes, George Russell, his teammate seems to be in a much more comfortable position. The 26-year-old is getting in much better results and is 14 points ahead of Hamilton in the championship standings.

View post on X

Advertisement

Hamilton doesn’t have to worry about Mercedes’ performances beyond 2024. However, a driver of his caliber struggling to come close to the top three is surprising. Former F1 boss Peter Windsor also feels that Hamilton has to sort his problems out at Mercedes, before heading over to Ferrari.

At Ferrari, the seven-time world champion will be dealing with a completely new environment. If he doesn’t get out of his slump now, life could become difficult for him at Maranello.

Related Posts

Sergio Perez Now Faces a Significant New Obstacle in His Bid to Secure a Seat with Cadillac for the 2026 Formula 1 Season, Raising Doubts About His Future in the Sport as This Challenge Could Have Serious Implications for His Prospects in the Highly Competitive F1 World.

Sergio Perez would have been looking on at what’s happening at Red Bull Racing this week with great interest after losing his seat on the grid at…

Helmut Marko has issued an official statement regarding the future of Red Bull Racing, providing insights into the team’s plans following the shock removal of Christian Horner from his position. The decision has sent ripples throughout the Formula 1 world, and Marko’s comments aim to clarify Red Bull’s next moves.

Photo: © IMAGO Red Bull F1 advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on the team’s future following the shock dismissal of Christian Horner. Horner was removed from his…

The FIA’s Penalty Controversy That Cost Oscar Piastri a Well-Deserved Win: An In-Depth Look at the Decision That Shook the Racing World.

Lando Norris Triumphs at Silverstone, but Was Oscar Piastri’s 10-Second Penalty Fair? The 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was a spectacle, with Lando Norris emerging victorious…

Christian Horner ‘Convinced’ Ferrari Move Depends on One Key Factor as Scuderia Targets Red Bull’s Ex-Chief.

Christian Horner might not have to wait long to receive offers to return to Formula 1 after Red Bull Racing sacked the Briton from his role as…

Ferrari Finally Opens Up About the Shocking and Unexpected Challenges Behind Their Struggles in Formula 1, Revealing the Complex Factors That Have Contributed to Their Ongoing Performance Issues, and What They Plan to Do to Overcome These Obstacles and Return to Their Former Glory in the F1 World.

Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 Season: The Road to Recovery The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a year of highs and lows for Scuderia Ferrari, with the…

The Surprising Impact of Christian Horner’s Red Bull Decision: Why George Russell May Lose the Most

The news that Red Bull Racing have parted ways with team principal Christian Horner took the Formula 1 world by surprise on Wednesday morning. Red Bull and Christian Horner are…