'Hamilton disappointed with Wolff's proposal: Ferrari did give confidence'

Lewis Hamilton was reportedly unhappy with his current Mercedes contract. This would have been one of the reasons why the Briton is leaving for Ferrari, Formula 1 reporter Lawrence Barretto reveals.

Hamilton caused a major shock in the Formula 1 world by announcing that he would leave Mercedes at the end of 2024. As it turned out, the Mercedes driver did not have a contract through 2025 as had been communicated by Mercedes, but a 1+1 year deal. This will allow Lewis to drive for Ferrari in 2025.

Why Hamilton wanted to leave Mercedes

This contract was also said to have been a major reason for Hamilton's departure, according to Barretto in the F1 Nation Podcast. According to the Formula1.com reporter, Hamilton himself would have asked for a new three-year deal. However, Toto Wolff came back with the 1+1 deal and that was against Hamilton's wishes.

Hamilton already had good contact with Ferrari CEO John Elkann and he smelt his opportunity. Elkann offered Hamilton what Mercedes was no longer willing to do: a multi-year deal. This confidence would have won Hamilton over to make the switch in 2025.