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NBA Billionaire Michael Jordan Handpicked F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton for Exclusive NASCAR Deal

Published 09/25/2022, 9:58 AM EDT

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Is Lewis Hamilton moving to NASCAR? Can one of the most esteemed drivers of Formula 1 join the American Stock Car Auto Racing scene? Hamilton’s close relationship with NBA Legend Michael Jordan could have made the move possible in 2022.

Hamilton’s bond with the former Chicago Bulls star isn’t hidden from the public. The Silver Arrows star considers Jordan his hero. Jordan, in return, could have taken Hamilton to drive for his NASCAR outfit in 2022.

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As per the report published by GP Today, in 2021, Michael Jordan contacted Hamilton personally to convince him to drive for his team alongside Bubba Wallace.

The former NBA star was also said to have discussed a $25 million a year salary for the Briton, starting from 2022 to 2024.

However, the move did not materialize as Jordan’s Cup Series team, 23XI Racing, has now signed Tyler Reddick for the 2024 season. Moreover, Hamilton decided to stay back at the Brackley-based team to fight for his eighth championship.

Lewis Hamilton is not looking away from Mercedes

The year 2022 hasn’t been the way Lewis Hamilton would’ve wanted. Even though the Mercedes star is far behind in the championship run right now, he thinks he can have another go at the title in the coming years and wants to stay with his current team.

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via Reuters

Hamilton stated, “For years we’ve been going around, up and down, with stories of retirement and stopping. For me, I feel healthier than I’ve ever felt, as I focus a lot on that – I’m feeling fit. I love what I’m doing and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.”

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As the race in Italy concluded two weeks back, Hamilton has gone out of the championship race. The Mercedes man is now in P6 in the driver’s standings with 168 points. He is 167 points behind leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Riccardo Pushed Aside as Lewis Hamilton Takes The Spotlight With Avid F1 Fan

Despite all the odds, the Briton conveyed that he will not leave Mercedes. Hamilton added, “My goal was always to be with Mercedes. I love that we have the long partnership we have…I think there’s a lot of work, a lot to accomplish together, so I want to be a part of that.”

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Written by:

Sabyasachi Biswas

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Sabyasachi Biswas is an F1 and NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports. He has completed his Master's in Mass Communication and Journalism from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Sabyasachi is an ardent Red Bull and Max Verstappen fan and has been following the sport for over a decade now.
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Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh