Hamilton “proud” of Mercedes F1 commitment despite Ferrari interest

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who was formerly the team principal at Ferrari, confirmed in an interview earlier this week that the Italian team had always thought of getting the seven-time champion.

In addition to this idea, which emerged during the Domenicali era, it was already reported in detail in 2019 that Hamilton met with Ferrari chairman John Elkann to discuss their thoughts on the future.

While the idea of ​​driving Hamilton for Ferrari sparked intrigue among fans about what they could have achieved together, the man himself says he doesn’t think too much about how things might have turned out.

Instead, he makes it clear that there is nothing to regret – and he particularly likes that Mercedes is a brand that is so loyal to its drivers.

Looking back on Ferrari’s interest, Hamilton said, “It was part of each end of one [contract] Expression. You need to review your due diligence and see what options you have.

“I’m really proud of where I am and what I have achieved with Mercedes.

“That’s what I always thought, and I think I’ve said it before: the idea of ​​going to Ferrari was short-lived in the sense that at Mercedes you are with a family for your entire life.

“If you look at all of the historic drivers who drove from Mercedes, they were there until the 1990s. And that’s something you don’t see on any other team with any other brand.

“I’m very, very proud of that. We also achieved more than anyone else. And that’s because of the great teamwork, the loyalty, and I don’t take that for granted. “

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1st place reaches the podium

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Domenicali viewed the prospect of a Hamilton / Ferrari cast as a “sliding doors” moment, borrowed from the Gwyneth Paltrow film about an advertising manager whose life changes when she misses a train.

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When asked by Sky if Ferrari had ever considered signing Hamilton, Domenicali said, “To be honest, yes. That’s right, we discussed that.

“There are moments in life when it is sometimes very important for me to think about a movie: Sliding Doors. There are moments when when you’re not getting on an elevator, you stay on the ground.

“That was the situation Lewis lived in at that particular time in his life, but I don’t think he can blame his choice, at least because he has had an incredible career.”