Any chance of Hamilton going to Ferrari?

In the far future, not for another 4-5 years will he even consider leaving or be allowed to. They have been friends with him for a while and has no reason to leave right now. Though I certainly wouldn't mind him driving, I don't think it is very realistic at this point.

 

Definately no chance as long as Ron Dennis is at Mclaren. Ask again in 5 years, and we'll see.

 

+1

 

revisit this in 3-4 years.

 

+2

 

I dont think so
Since he was a child he's always dreaming of being a driver in McLaren-Mercedes Team. And when dreams come true ...

 

When dreams come true... it's time to go after the next one! Ferrari!

But indeed... Hamilton will most likely stay where he is for years to come...

 

I like Hamilton. He has class, and he appears (from early evidence) to be a good driver.

But let's let him run some races before we induct him into the hall of fame.

So far, we've seen him benefit from Alonso getting tangled up with the Beemers, and seen him benefit from Massa over-driving his tires. But three races is a little early to draw career-wide conclusions.

People have been condemning Alonso and Kimi for their early performances, but they have as many points as Hamilton.

He's an impressive rookie, but he's a rookie. Remember how Kubica seemed to be so spectacular last year? But now that Heidfeld is awake again, ...

 

Absolutely true. Good post.

Ron Dennis hates Ferrari. Does anyone really think that he would release his driver to Ferrari?

 

+1

he did sorta release Kimi tho...

 

Anything's possible. And while it's most likely Hamilton's dream is to win at McLaren, I'm sure the operational part of the dream is "win". At the same time, like others have said, Lewis is a rookie and we shouldn't assume that the decision lays solely at his feet. By the time he's eligible to go to another team, he may not be wanted there. Or, heaven forbid, Ferrari may not be the best career choice. That's why they run the races.

 

Not a chance. Ron Dennis has spent millions of Pounds on Hamilton. He's been backing him and others for that matter, for about the last ten years. Currently Hamilton's pay is reportedly about 500,000 British Pounds/year with bonuses for points scored. Alonso's is at least ten to twenty times that. Hamilton could sign huge sponsorship contracts to make tens of millions right now but Ron won't let him. The deal with McLaren drivers is they work for the teams partners. They're not sponsors but partners and that certainly makes a difference in the way things are approached.

Hamilton's got talent but he wouldn't be where he is at the moment (tied for 1st place in the driver’s championship) without Ron. Ron’s backed countless drivers over the years, some have come good like Nick Heidfeld and Hamilton and some have come to naught like Jan Magnussan. I suspect there are many more that’ve had support (i.e. cash flow) from Ron who haven't panned out. But, we'll never know because Ron doesn't tell.

Now Ron has allowed quick Nick to go to another team but I don't think it'll happen with Hamilton. Ron's also very supportive and fiercely loyal to his drivers, Hakkinen and Coulthard drove for McLaren for longer than most drivers F1 careers. Ron's collecting on his investment as he should and given what I've seen of both Hamilton and his father they'll uphold their end of the commitment. Hamilton could very well be at McLaren for as long, if not longer, than MS was at Ferrari. It's a match made in heaven really.

I don't like Ron that much but, I do have to thank him for Lewis Hamilton. The guys a breath of fresh air and if it hadn't been for Ron we might never have gotten to see him race in F1.

Salary info and history of Ron & Hamilton was based on this article in PitPass: http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_feature_item.php

 

Bad link

 

Sorry about that... Here you go.

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_feature_item.php?fes_art_id=31212

 

Excellent article Charles, thanks for the link.

 

Now only if Hamilton could give a pre-race interview on the grid, my respect for the man would skyrocket.

 

Really? I rather wish they'd leave the drivers alone to focus and am glad Hamilton takes this stance.

 

I agree, let him focus on the job at hand. It's not like he's going to say anything terribly interesting anyways. It's all the same old rehashed and contrived stuff we hear from most racing drivers.

 

I just wish that there was some interaction, he doesn't say anything and isn't allowed to. He doesn't have to say much, but when Kimi talks more than you do, thats a problem.

 

Brian, the difference is he didn't bring up Kimi, Sauber did. Kimi's contract expired, so he was free to go. RD has been with Hamilton for a long time.

 

oh..thanx for pointin it out Ron.

 

Are you talking about the prerace? If so it is by Hamiltons own request that he is not interviewed before line up on the grid. In the post race interview it is quite clear that Hamilton is very talkative. He even modulates his voice and gives a great impression of being excited. Kimi on the other hand..............

What are you expecting him (or any of the drivers) to say anyway? He's about to get into a car and try to win. Do you really need verbal confirmation of this beforehand?

 

I couldn't agree more with the sentiment that Hamilton is a breath of fresh air. Nothing to do with nationality or color, but just his personality. As far as McLaren is concerned, these guys know all too well that they are the ones currently under the gun. Sure, they have invested in Lewis Hamilton's development (along with dozens upon dozens of racing washouts). But his star is beginning to soar, as is his market value. Win, lose or draw, Lewis Hamilton is rapidly becoming the new face of Formula 1. And that earns the big bucks. In very short order, McLaren will have to either give him the chunk or accept his eventual departure to market value.

 

Yeah prerace, I don't need him to say much, just "Hi" or "We hope to do well", is much better than whats happening now. I'm actually turned off that the press is denied access to him before the race, and I am surprised the sponsors of the McLaren don't push Ron Dennis to make Lewis say something.
I know that some people are quiet, ex. Kimi. Kimi at least will say something before the race, like "I was having a ****", I have yet to hear a peep out of Lewis.

Personally, I really don't agree with Flavio Briatore on a lot of things, but I have tons of respect for him because he gives such great interviews on the grid, even at times giving away team strategy.
It can really get boring watching the guys on Speed walk around and get denied by people for 10 secs of their time.