Before Lewis Hamilton inked his contract extension with Mercedes mid-season in 2023, speculation about his future with the Silver Arrows reached a fever pitch. The Brackley-based team, synonymous with Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious career, struggled to provide a car capable of securing race wins in the new ground effect era. The absence of a contract extension with Mercedes fueled rumors of a potential move to Ferrari, with reports suggesting a lucrative offer from the Prancing Horse.

Reports suggested a tempting £40 million offer from Ferrari, enticing the British driver to don the red suit in 2024. However, Frederic Vasseur, in a recent exclusive with Motorsport.com, debunked the rumors, revealing his connection with the 7-time world champion that goes beyond the paddock.

Lewis Hamilton and Frederic Vasseur go way back to when he wasn’t even an F1 driver

While the speculation surrounding Hamilton’s future raged on, one couldn’t ignore the relationship between the British driver and Mercedes. Their collaboration has spanned 11 years, marked by six out of Hamilton’s seven World Championships. Yet, the recent shift in Formula 1 dynamics, ushering in the new ground effect era, has left Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes grappling for the winning formula.

The Silver Arrows, once synonymous with dominance, have faced challenges in providing Hamilton with a championship-worthy car in the past two seasons. Despite the struggles, the seasoned driver chose to extend his stay with Mercedes till the end of 2025, dispelling uncertainties surrounding his allegiance.

In a conversation with Motorsport.com, Fred Vasseur provided insights into the team’s outlook for the 2024 season and inadvertently addressed the swirling rumors. “For 20 years I’ve been talking to Lewis every week of every month. But I’m also in contact with half of the grid because these are drivers who have raced for me in the past. In Baku, we talked a bit and from there everyone started talking about it. But if I signed contracts with everyone who competed for me in the past it would cost me a fortune,” Vasseur explained.

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At 38, time is ticking for Hamilton to secure his eighth world title. Despite the challenges at Mercedes, a friend has recently doubled down on his opinion that Lewis will clinch that elusive eighth championship.

Former Teammate tips Hamilton to get to his 8th world championship

Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg shares his insights on Hamilton’s prospects. Rosberg, having been Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes during their intense championship battles from 2014 to 2016, expresses confidence in Mercedes’ capabilities. In an interview with the Daily Mail, as quoted by News 18, Rosberg highlighted the strong chance of Hamilton clinching an unprecedented eighth World Title in the upcoming season.

Rosberg emphasizes his familiarity with Mercedes’ strength and suggests that Hamilton could contend for the championship in the upcoming season. “Look at Austin. They were challenging for the win there and actually had the fastest car,” said Rosberg, pointing to recent signs of Mercedes’ resurgence.

While acknowledging his affinity for Mercedes, Rosberg maintains a neutral stance on Hamilton’s potential victory, expressing a desire for a thrilling championship contest. “I just would like a great fight for the championship, and may the best driver win. But I’m not biased in that sense, obviously,” he adds. Rosberg’s confidence in Mercedes’ capabilities stems from his intimate knowledge of the team’s inner workings.

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Will Mercedes be able to step up to challenge Red Bull in 2024? Is it even possible to catch the Milton-Keynes squad until the new regulations roll out in 2026? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments.