F1 Pundit declares Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari switch not solely down to commercial reasons

Peter Windsor insisted that Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari was not linked due to commercial benefits for Maranello.


F1 Pundit declares Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari switch not solely down to commercial reasons

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (via Alamy)

Lewis Hamilton made headlines at the start of 2024 by announcing his move to Scuderia Ferrari for next year. Many believe that the seven-time world champion will bring substantial financial benefits to Maranello. However, F1 pundit Peter Windsor dismissed this to be the reason behind Hamilton’s signing.

The 39-year-old is arguably the biggest name in Formula 1 at the moment. The seven-time world champion is expected to rope in $59 billion worth sponsors from Mercedes to Ferrari next year. While rumors have emerged that Lewis Hamilton could even sign lucrative deals with the Scuderia’s partners.

YouTube video

Peter Windsor emphasized that bringing the F1 star was certainly a big win for Maranello. Though, the 72-year-old claimed that the commercial benefits were not the main motivation for signing Hamilton to race for Ferrari.

FS Video

I think Sir Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is a big thing, but Iā€™m not sure that commercial reasons were the motivation behind his signing.

Peter Windsor said on his YouTube channel

Lewis Hamilton’s ‘history’ with Fred Vasseur played part in Ferrari deal

Fred Vasseur took the reigns as Ferrari team boss in 2023. The Frenchman was instrumental in signing Hamilton for 2025. Peter Windsor highlighted that Vasseur was the Briton’s team boss back in ART in GP2. This relationship would have mad Lewis Hamilton more eager to join Maranello as he could reunite with his former team boss.

Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton
Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

I believe thereā€™s a bit of Fred Vasseur and history going back to ART, and heā€™s just so good.

Peter Windsor stated

Lewis Hamilton has high ambitions for his Ferrari campaign starting from 2025. The 39-year-old hopes to win an unprecedented eighth Drivers’ title. Though, this might seem like an uphill task on paper, the Scuderia could be the best fit to fulfill Hamilton’s goal.