Lewis Hamilton dropped a bombshell on Mercedes recently, revealing his plan to activate an escape clause in his contract and make a move to Ferrari in 2025. This announcement marks a significant shift in Hamilton’s relationship with Mercedes going forward. It is likely that he will no longer be involved in future technical developments, as there is concern that sharing such insights with Hamilton could benefit Ferrari when he transitions to the team. This potential scenario has caught the attention of Sergio Perez, who finds it intriguing to see Mercedes engage in a fierce rivalry with one of its competitors this season.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s decision, Perez commented, “It’s interesting! But more than that, I think it will be fascinating to observe the dynamics from the outside.” He recognizes the competitive nature of Formula 1 teams when it comes to sharing information and acknowledges the wealth of knowledge Hamilton will bring to Ferrari after his long tenure with Mercedes. Max Verstappen, Perez’s teammate, shares similar concerns and emphasizes the professionalism required to navigate the challenges that arise from Hamilton’s announcement before the start of the season. Verstappen stated, “It makes it a little more difficult for the entire team to work together throughout the year. If he’s happy with the move, then he should go.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari also has implications for the driver market, as there is now a coveted spot at Mercedes alongside George Russell. Perez anticipates an early start to the “silly season” in the F1 driver market, with teams scrambling to secure top talent in light of these developments. He believes that most drivers will be eager to finalize their contracts earlier in the year, highlighting the importance of focusing on performance amidst the uncertainties of negotiations.
According to the Source formula1news.co.uk