The much-heralded union between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari has hit serious turbulence, with a reported clause in the seven-time champion's lucrative contract now presenting a significant strategic headache for the fabled Italian team.
A Dream Signing Turns Sour
When the blockbuster move was confirmed in February 2024, it was billed as Formula 1's ultimate power couple. The sport's most successful driver was joining its most iconic team. However, the reality of Hamilton's maiden season in red has fallen drastically short of those lofty expectations.
Hamilton's debut campaign with the Scuderia concluded with a deeply underwhelming sixth place in the drivers' championship. He failed to secure a single podium finish and finished a staggering over 250 points behind world champion Lando Norris. More damningly for his standing within the team, he ended the season nearly 100 points adrift of his teammate, Charles Leclerc.
The Costly Contract Clause
The situation is compounded by the specific terms of Hamilton's Ferrari agreement, details of which have emerged via reports from BILD. The contract is said to have two years remaining and includes an option for Hamilton to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
This optional extension is reportedly valued at around £41 million per year. If triggered, it would mean Hamilton could remain with Ferrari until he is nearly 44 years old, making him one of the oldest drivers on the modern grid. For Ferrari, it represents a potential long-term commitment to a driver whose on-track performance has so far failed to justify his status as the second-highest-paid driver in the sport, behind only Max Verstappen.
Balancing Brand Power with Racing Results
Ferrari's leadership, including team principal Fred Vasseur who recently signed a new deal himself, is acutely aware of the dilemma. Hamilton remains a global sporting icon and a potent marketing asset, capable of attracting fans and commercial partners worldwide.
However, at a team defined by its relentless pursuit of victory, brand appeal cannot indefinitely offset a lack of competitive results. Ferrari's championship drought stretches back to Kimi Raikkonen's title in 2007, a fact that only intensifies the pressure on every major decision.
For Hamilton, the struggles extend beyond Maranello. He has now been out of genuine championship contention for four consecutive seasons. Since his controversial last-gasp defeat to Verstappen in 2021, his best championship finish was a distant third in 2023, a year where he still trailed the dominant Verstappen by over 250 points.
While Vasseur has publicly expressed faith in Hamilton's innate skill and believes his experience is valuable for the team's long-term development, the clock is ticking. Without a swift and dramatic reversal in form, Ferrari's landmark acquisition risks being remembered as one of the most expensive missteps in the team's storied history.
