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I presently don't see Mercedes selling the team so voted for Mercedes.

Hamilton would be a fool to drive for Ferrari. Since he's no fool, he will continue to drive for Mercedes, the team that brought him up through the ranks. Mercedes is the most likely to hit the ground running under the 2021 regs... So that's two good reasons, maybe more.

Of course, all this depends on whether he decides to continue driving after matching Schumacher's 7 WDCs... I'm not yet convinced that he cares to break Schumacher's record. He says he's not all that concerned about breaking records, so we'll see if his words eventually match the talk.

The closest Ferrari will come to hiring HAM will be to suggest in public that they could, or might.

pokerman wrote:I presently don't see Mercedes selling the team so voted for Mercedes.

That is my prediction also, but out of curiosity, how would you vote if Mercedes were withdraw from the sport (but sell the works operation to someone else so the Brackley team continued with Mercedes engines)?

Alienturnedhuman wrote:

pokerman wrote:I presently don't see Mercedes selling the team so voted for Mercedes.

That is my prediction also, but out of curiosity, how would you vote if Mercedes were withdraw from the sport (but sell the works operation to someone else so the Brackley team continued with Mercedes engines)?

Just me, but I can't see Mercedes giving up control over how it's engines are used. So I suspect Mercedes will continue as a team. Even though I agree they have nothing to prove.

"I don't particularly see myself going anywhere else. I love being here at Mercedes and I love being a part of the brand and the history."

That was what Lewis said only a couple of weeks ago. Unless there is a significant change at Merc I suspect he'll stay there, at the very least, for 2021.

It's really interesting with so much up in the air. If Leclerc wins the driver's title in 2020 then I can't for a second imagine they would bring Hamilton into the team as they would feel Charles is the future.

Also, were Hamilton to match Schumacher's 7 world titles in 2020, would he risk leaving that team? Driving for Ferrari may well.be a bucket list thing for him I guess.

I'll be surprised if he's not still driving for Mercedes. Other teams are clearly interested in him, but he's shown no sign of interest in moving or retiring that early.

I think he'll still be at Mercedes but driving for an eye watering amount of money!

Alienturnedhuman wrote:

pokerman wrote:I presently don't see Mercedes selling the team so voted for Mercedes.

That is my prediction also, but out of curiosity, how would you vote if Mercedes were withdraw from the sport (but sell the works operation to someone else so the Brackley team continued with Mercedes engines)?

I guess it would depend on the level of backing the new team would have and the kind of numeration that Hamilton would receive, also it would have to be of the same level with the same infrastructure in place for starters.

Even then the fact that Mercedes were no longer involved except for engines might have him considering Ferrari believing he was actually no longer driving for Mercedes so it wouldn't be an act of disloyalty as such, but Ferrari would be the only team I think he would consider.

Alienturnedhuman wrote:Hamilton has had two meetings with the head of Fiat, but I assume these were to discuss putting a downpayment on a Panda.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolf ... s/4604926/

I don't see that as meaning a lot, if Hamilton is invited for talks that's all it ever might be and Hamilton is just being respectful in hearing them out.

pokerman wrote:

Alienturnedhuman wrote:Hamilton has had two meetings with the head of Fiat, but I assume these were to discuss putting a downpayment on a Panda.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolf ... s/4604926/

I don't see that as meaning a lot, if Hamilton is invited for talks that's all it ever might be and Hamilton is just being respectful in hearing them out.

Twice? Did they not believe him the first time?

Asphalt_World wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Alienturnedhuman wrote:Hamilton has had two meetings with the head of Fiat, but I assume these were to discuss putting a downpayment on a Panda.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolf ... s/4604926/

I don't see that as meaning a lot, if Hamilton is invited for talks that's all it ever might be and Hamilton is just being respectful in hearing them out.

Twice? Did they not believe him the first time?

That could still be at the request of John Elkann, I made you an offer now I'm going make you an insane offer?

If Hamilton wants to win fans, he should drive for Ferrari in 2021

Noni wrote:If Hamilton wants to win fans, he should drive for Ferrari in 2021

I think he wants to win titles, though...

Exediron wrote:

Noni wrote:If Hamilton wants to win fans, he should drive for Ferrari in 2021

I think he wants to win titles, though...

Another stint at Mercedes will see that!.... Toto Wolff has already expressed his desire to move on after 2021.

In 2020, Max will win the title so Lewis will go to Ferrari

I feel Hamilton would have more to gain from switching to Ferrari in 2021 than even a potential 7th world championship and becoming the most successful driver of all time next year. Would love to see it.

Noni wrote:If Hamilton wants to win fans, he should drive for Ferrari in 2021

Well it is said that 33% of F1 fans are Ferrari fans so that's true, however I think his main priority is to win more titles.

Kev627 wrote:I think he'll still be at Mercedes but driving for an eye watering amount of money!

He can get more money in Ferrari for sure. I would not mind if Vettel and Hamilton swap places. I do not think Charles will swap with him and he will like to continue in Ferrari. Max is also available for 2021 so he might also end up in Mercedes and Vettel back to RBR. Lot of things can happen.

Mercedes-Benz wrote:

Kev627 wrote:I think he'll still be at Mercedes but driving for an eye watering amount of money!

He can get more money in Ferrari for sure. I would not mind if Vettel and Hamilton swap places. I do not think Charles will swap with him and he will like to continue in Ferrari. Max is also available for 2021 so he might also end up in Mercedes and Vettel back to RBR. Lot of things can happen.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. He's been somewhat hung out to dry a few times by Ferrari this season. How much more of that will he be willing to put up with?

In order of likelihood for me:

1) Mercedes
2) McLaren works Mercedes
3) Whatever team Brackley becomes
4) Ferrari

How many drivers have won championships for 3 different constructors?
Maybe that title + Ferrari cash = Enough reason to join the red side?

My order would be
1. Mercedes
2. Brackley works Mercedes
3. Ferrari

pokerman wrote:

Noni wrote:If Hamilton wants to win fans, he should drive for Ferrari in 2021

Well it is said that 33% of F1 fans are Ferrari fans so that's true, however I think his main priority is to win more titles.

Agree with this, Lewis wants to leave a driving legacy, a help for young talented drivers who are not loaded with money but full of natural talent. Money isn't his only driver. He can't do that with Ferrari and he hasn't the time at his age to form a team around him, he will be Mercedes bound. From Toto's interview with Channel 4 I got the impression that Toto will remain long enough for Mercedes to keep going until their run is broken.

DFWdude wrote:Hamilton would be a fool to drive for Ferrari.

People called him that when he left Mclaren in favour of Merc. Everyone questioned him.

How wrong was we.

Joining Ferrari in 2021 when they've had a race winning car in the recent years isn't that foolish. The lure of the red Ferrari is powerful and Lewis isn't one that sticks to a safety net.

People are not exactly questioning Vettels decision, they gave him a consistently better car in the last few seasons. Ferrari's mistakes and Vettels cost them dearly. Ferrari need a leader in that team and a driver that doesn't make a long list of mistakes.

I wouldn't say it was foolish at all if he chose Ferrari (especially depending on the car they've got next season).

Teddy007 wrote:

DFWdude wrote:Hamilton would be a fool to drive for Ferrari.

People called him that when he left Mclaren in favour of Merc. Everyone questioned him.

How wrong was we.

Joining Ferrari in 2021 when they've had a race winning car in the recent years isn't that foolish. The lure of the red Ferrari is powerful and Lewis isn't one that sticks to a safety net.

People are not exactly questioning Vettels decision, they gave him a consistently better car in the last few seasons. Ferrari's mistakes and Vettels cost them dearly. Ferrari need a leader in that team and a driver that doesn't make a long list of mistakes.

I wouldn't say it was foolish at all if he chose Ferrari (especially depending on the car they've got next season).

The thing is, he has proved everything he had to prove to anyone. Next year he will likely equal the WDC record and overtake the overall wins one. He is possibly the best F1 racer we have ever had the pleasure to see, and we are lucky enough to see it right in front of our eyes and not read it in Wiki. So going to the most historic team and dragging them to a title, now THAT would be an awesome feat that would only add to his legacy. If he didn't manage a WDC there, well I bet he would be laughing all the way to the bank anyway!

Whoever pays the most is my guess. Obviously he has to believe the car is able to win the championship too.

This is by far one of the toughest scenarios to call…

The biggest thing to keep in mind is how he moved in 2013 for the reason of wanting a fresh new challenge, and THAT might be what could possibly drive him to move to Ferrari.
From his press conference however, he seems to be aware of talks Toto has had with other drivers, and possibly him as well, to inform him of possible scenarios, so perhaps he has
already signed with Ferrari for 2021 but it wont be made public until after his current contract expires. However, Wouldn't it be a total surprise if Ferrari let Leclerc go to Mercedes and Verstappen also lands there and it'll be the wily veterans at Ferrari vs the dynamic duo??!?!?

I know, it wont happen, but I think that would be superbly interesting.

In regards to it depends on who pays the most, at this point Hamilton is making so much money hand over fist, it doesn't matter as much and either way whomever offers him a contract will be prepared to pay a competitive sum to retain his services so that will not play a part unless Ferrari feels they don't want to risk not getting him and presents him with a number Mercedes nor anyone else would be willing to pay, but I doubt that.

pokerman wrote:

Noni wrote:If Hamilton wants to win fans, he should drive for Ferrari in 2021

Well it is said that 33% of F1 fans are Ferrari fans so that's true, however I think his main priority is to win more titles.

I'd argue that 33% claim and say it's more in the range of at least 80% of F1 fans are Ferrari fans. While people may favor other teams, Ferrari is an anomaly in that most fans of the sport and automobile industry in general have a certain love affair or affinity for the Prancing Horse. Then seeing how passionate the Tifosi are not only around the globe, but especially at Imola, I don't see how anyone can ever be disappointed when Ferrari wins a race or championship. You might not be 100% thrilled that a different driver or team you support didn't do so, but for the most part all fans have a certain amount of glee whenever Ferrari wins.

At the same time, I think that's true of McLaren and Williams, so that kind of universal love and appreciation also applies to those two to a great degree.

Well, I hope he moves elsewhere sooner rather than later. The Mercedes story has been a good ride but I'm ready for fresh narratives. I get the impression that the future for Hamilton really could hinge on Toto's plans.

Teddy007 wrote:

DFWdude wrote:Hamilton would be a fool to drive for Ferrari.

People called him that when he left Mclaren in favour of Merc. Everyone questioned him.

How wrong was we.

Joining Ferrari in 2021 when they've had a race winning car in the recent years isn't that foolish. The lure of the red Ferrari is powerful and Lewis isn't one that sticks to a safety net.

People are not exactly questioning Vettels decision, they gave him a consistently better car in the last few seasons. Ferrari's mistakes and Vettels cost them dearly. Ferrari need a leader in that team and a driver that doesn't make a long list of mistakes.

I wouldn't say it was foolish at all if he chose Ferrari (especially depending on the car they've got next season).

I questioned his decision to leave McLaren as well, I thought he'd made a big mistake, however he left because he'd decided that McLaren were incapable of delivering him another title, the reason for leaving Mercedes would have to be different.

F1 MERCENARY wrote:

pokerman wrote:

Noni wrote:If Hamilton wants to win fans, he should drive for Ferrari in 2021

Well it is said that 33% of F1 fans are Ferrari fans so that's true, however I think his main priority is to win more titles.

I'd argue that 33% claim and say it's more in the range of at least 80% of F1 fans are Ferrari fans. While people may favor other teams, Ferrari is an anomaly in that most fans of the sport and automobile industry in general have a certain love affair or affinity for the Prancing Horse. Then seeing how passionate the Tifosi are not only around the globe, but especially at Imola, I don't see how anyone can ever be disappointed when Ferrari wins a race or championship. You might not be 100% thrilled that a different driver or team you support didn't do so, but for the most part all fans have a certain amount of glee whenever Ferrari wins.

At the same time, I think that's true of McLaren and Williams, so that kind of universal love and appreciation also applies to those two to a great degree.

The number is something I googled a few months ago, it kind of worries me if you are right and may explain some of the decisions made this season?

As for Hamilton I just want to see him do well, him driving for Ferrari is not joining the enemy as such, I've never been a supporter of teams.

Invade wrote:Well, I hope he moves elsewhere sooner rather than later. The Mercedes story has been a good ride but I'm ready for fresh narratives. I get the impression that the future for Hamilton really could hinge on Toto's plans.

Hamilton said this himself.

Alienturnedhuman wrote:And the probability increases...

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/ ... ks-f1-move

Or Ferrari use their veto as stated, Wolff remains at Mercedes and therefore so does Ham, and Ferrari watch the 2021 WDC and WCC slip through their hands into the clutches of Wolff and Ham again.

What’s Ferrari’s reasoning against Wolff being head of the FIA? I assumed they had no issue with Jean Todt being head of the FIA

After next season (2020) Hamilton and Bottas will have probably had 11 and 4 realistic chances to win a WDC respectively. Meanwhile, Ricciardo will be sitting on 0 despite now being in his 30s.

I hope this shake-up in 2021 sees the likes of Ricciardo, and Verstappen, with the opportunity to chase a title...

Imagine a world where Alonso returns and he along with Hamilton, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Leclerc and Vettel are all in top teams who could conceivably win at least one Championship over a 2-3 year span. Let it be true.

As for Hamilton...

2021 will either be Hamilton and Verstappen at Mercedes, or Hamilton moving to Ferrari to partner Leclerc with Verstappen effectively replacing Hamilton at Mercedes. #Predictions

I only see Ham at Ferrari if the car looks the part, Wolff moves on, and Leclerc is still making rookie mistakes or not handling the pressure of a WDC campaign.
And I somehow can't see Ham prancing round in a blazer and slacks.

I think he'll stay with Mercedes. If he does however move to Ferrari and win the drivers championship with a 3rd different team I believe this unequivocally makes him the greatest of all time.