In a stunning revelation that rewrites a key chapter of Formula One history, Sir Lewis Hamilton has categorically denied long-standing claims that he was effectively sacked by Ferrari over a decade ago. The British racing icon has set the record straight, asserting it was his former team, McLaren, that pushed him out.
The controversy stems from the dramatic 2012 season, a period of intense 'silly season' speculation. Hamilton's eventual move to Mercedes for the 2013 season was initially perceived by many as a fallback option after a potential Ferrari deal fell through.
The Myth of the Ferrari Rejection
For years, a persistent narrative suggested that Ferrari's then-president, Luca di Montezemolo, had rejected Hamilton after a supposed audition. The story went that Hamilton's demands were too high and his lifestyle too extravagant for the Italian marque.
Hamilton has now definitively shut down this myth. 'I didn't get sacked by Ferrari,' he stated unequivocally. The truth, according to the seven-time world champion, is far different and points the finger squarely at his former home.
'Pushed Out' of McLaren
Hamilton's account paints a picture of a deteriorating relationship with the McLaren hierarchy. He describes a feeling of being forced out of the British team where he had won his first world championship.
'There were things being said, there were things happening,' Hamilton revealed, alluding to the tense atmosphere. 'I knew I was being pushed out.' This feeling of being nudged towards the exit door, rather than a failed negotiation with Ferrari, was the true catalyst for his career-changing move.
The Mercedes Gambit That Changed Everything
Leaving a top-tier team like McLaren for a then-midfield Mercedes outfit was seen as a huge gamble in 2012. However, history would prove it to be one of the most astute moves in sporting history.
This decision, born from a desire to escape an uncomfortable situation at McLaren, laid the foundation for an unprecedented period of dominance. At Mercedes, Hamilton secured six of his seven world titles, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
The revelation adds a new layer of intrigue to Hamilton's storied career and serves as a powerful reminder that the official narrative in the high-stakes world of F1 often differs from the reality experienced by those in the cockpit.
