F1: Ferrari boss denies team offer for Hamilton

In an interview with journalists present during the most anticipated week of Formula 1, in Monaco, Frédéric Vasseur, head of Ferrari, denied that the team would make a proposal to hire Lewis Hamilton, from Mercedes, from 2024.

Earlier this week, behind-the-scenes F1 rumors said the traditional Italian team was ready to make an offer of 40 million pounds ($248 million at current exchange rates) for the English driver, who has been with Mercedes since 2013.

However, Vasseur came out publicly to deny the existence of ongoing negotiations. “We’re entering the speculative phase of the season a little earlier than usual”, announced the Ferrari boss. “We haven’t made any offers to Lewis,” he said.

_{Frédéric Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton talk on the pad. (Photography/Production/Aerial Spot)}

After being seen walking with Hamilton in the paddock during the week, the Italian team commander spoke about listening and communicating with the pilot. “It’s normal. We talk every week about the present day, we talk about the last two decades. I don’t want to stop talking to him because of rumors and other people.”commented Vasseur.

Two years ago, shortly after Hamilton won his seventh world title in the category, the British driver revealed that Italian fans begged him to join Ferrari, an achievement he described as “everyone’s dream”. However, in 2022, Hamilton rejected any opportunity to race for the team.

The seven-time champion’s current contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the 2023 Formula 1 season, in December this year. The German side have expressed interest in re-signing the 38-year-old midfielder, but no extension has been signed.

As for Ferrari, Leclerc and Sainz have contracts until the end of next year and, according to Frédéric Vasseur, neither has expressed concern about the rumors about the composition of the team.

Featured image: Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari boss. Gameplay/F1