Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcoose
Translation: the contract is already signed, with an out clause if Mercedes beat Ferrari's offer.
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Mere guess: the Vasseur quote
"We are not sending an offer to Lewis Hamilton – we didn’t do it" is not incompatible with the possibility that Hamilton has let Ferrari know that he's 'available' for $XY million and prepared to learn to properly pronounce
"Grazie ragazzi - Forza Ferrari !".
Not sure what's going on down at Mercedes. Wolff keeps repeating how valuable Hamilton is for Mercedes, but didn't sign him yet for 2024. My guess: Hamilton stays at Mercedes if he's prepared to accept a financial haircut or an even more variable income based on podium results (as incentive).
IMHO Hamilton has no bargaining power - all depends whether the 12-year younger Leclerc is willing to join Mercedes. If Leclerc bites the bullet, Hamilton loses his Mercedes seat.