Lewis Hamilton was already engaging with Ferrari when he signed his final Mercedes contract in mid-2023, it has emerged.
On August 31, 2023, the seven-time world champion and Toto Wolff finalised a two-year deal with an exit clause after 2024.
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur revealed to Auto Hebdo this week when talks with Hamilton, now 40, began. "It was at the 2023 Monaco GP—on May 28, my birthday, to be precise," he said.
"I immediately understood that the desire was there on his part and that it could happen."
Hamilton confirmed the overlapping timelines. "I remember hanging up the phone," he said, "and I was shaking. I thought 'Oh my God'. I had just signed with Mercedes.
"There was a lot to process and my emotions were really strong. I needed to go for a walk to clear my head."
A scene from F1's latest Drive To Survive series captures Wolff discussing Hamilton's replacement with wife Susie in early 2024. "You don't think Max (Verstappen) is an option?" Susie asked. "I haven't spoken to him," Wolff replied, "because I promised Lewis I wouldn't talk to him.
"But I will have the conversation now."
Verstappen stayed with Red Bull for 2025, leaving Mercedes to sign Wolff's 18-year-old protégé, Kimi Antonelli.
