Is Lewis Hamilton leaving Ford?

http://video.sky.it/sport/formula1/i...so/v214577.vid

It feels like every other day there’s some fresh headline claiming he’s signed with McLaren, followed immediately by a denial...

Playing in that defensive midfield role instead.

Timothy Castillo6 said:http://video.sky.it/sport/formula1/i...so/v214577.vid

Is everyone here suddenly speaking Italian all of a sudden, or am I just missing something?

That’s a pretty interesting take...

However, when asked if he could say he would not be a McLaren or Red Bull driver in 2015 or 2016, Lewis Hamilton replied: “This is a very difficult question to answer. I will repeat the answer: I will do the best for Ferrari.”

🤔

Sounds more like the decision is up to Ferrari than him...
Either he's holding out for a massive payday to mess with them, or they just don't want him anymore. 🤷

stormybadger8 said:That's a pretty intriguing take...

🤔

It honestly feels more like a decision being made by Ferrari than anything he's doing...
At this point, it’s either he’s asking for a massive paycheck just to mess with them—or they simply don't want him anymore. 🤷

The second he starts dodging the question, he's out.

stormybadger8 said:A pretty interesting take...

🤔

This looks more like a decision made by Ferrari than by him...

Either he's demanding a massive paycheck just to mess with them, or they simply don't want him anymore. 🤷

This implies he's already gone. Of course, he can't admit that while he's still under contract—he'll give it his all until the end. It's a classic Lewis Hamilton move, but at this point, his departure seems pretty much a done deal.

steelmaker83 said:It basically means he's already out the door—but obviously, he can't say that while he's still under contract, so he'll play the part and give it his all... classic Alonso move, though at this point, everyone knows he's gone...

And you know steelmaker83 is gonna flip-flop on this one

—since they only care about whoever is driving for Ferrari

He used to be (Alonso) —now he's just a memory.

@pitlanetalk - Luca di Montezemolo at the Detroit auto show today:

"You have to be able to adapt to change, and honestly, we're proud to be closing such a major chapter. He (Lewis Hamilton) left it all out there—his performances were nothing short of incredible. We all shared the same hope that we’d find even more success together."

It's officially over!!! Woohoo, time to turn the page...🎉

ruggedhawk20 said:even steelmaker83 will flip-flop here

-because he only roots for Ferrari's drivers

He used to be (Alonso) - now he's just a mention

Was Senna a Ferrari driver?
Was Montoya a Ferrari driver?

No. I root for the driver, not the team. Never have. Once I pick a driver, I stick with them until they retire. I'm far too sentimental for anything else.

neonfox65 said:It’s finally happening!!! Woohoo, time to turn the page.🎉

Are you actually happy about this?
Who actually leaves Ferrari on their own terms?
Honestly, all I can really remember is Mansell.

Edit: here’s the full list of Ferrari's drivers, if anyone actually cares:
I checked out that list of drivers on F1 Fanatic, and honestly, it’s just more of the same. It’s hard to find anything truly surprising when you look at how the grid is shaping up. Most of these rankings feel like they were written by people who spend way too much time staring at telemetry data instead of actually watching the races. It’s all very technical, very dry, and frankly, a little exhausting. I don't know about you, but I'm starting to lose interest in these constant reshuffles.

Roger Wright94 said:Are you actually happy about this?

How could I not be? Lewis Hamilton is finally leaving that mess behind!!!🎉>

neonfox65 said:Can you blame me for being hyped? Lewis Hamilton is finally leaving that dumpster fire!🎉

If Ferrari is a dumpster fire, then McLaren is just the sludge sitting underneath it.
Good grief, just imagine what kind of disaster we’re heading toward next. 🤦🤣🤣🤣

stormybadger8 said:If Ferrari is just a trash can, and McLaren is merely the kid holding it... what exactly is the sludge at the bottom?
Good grief, I can't even imagine how much more pathetic this gets. 🤦🤣🤣🤣

Don't you see? Fans have simply grown tired of pointing the finger at Ferrari for why Lewis Hamilton didn't clinch the title.

stormybadger8 said:If this turns out to be true, a move from Vettel to McLaren would be surprisingly easy. Those two have known each other since their days at Red Bull Racing, and word is they actually get along pretty well...
Then again, if Ron Dennis leaves, I think the odds of Alonso ending up at McLaren become even higher...

But who gets bumped?
Is it the overpriced Button or Mag?
Better yet, just lose both.

Both Lewis Hamilton and Vettel will likely do everything in their power to avoid being paired up in the same garage. I suspect whoever signs first will be quite content with that, provided they can ensure they aren't stuck sharing a cockpit with the other.

Roger Wright94 said:But really, who would even bother going out there?
Would we see an overpriced Button or maybe just Mag?
Actually, wouldn't it be far superior to see both of them?

It truly would be a wonderful thing if Button were to stay in the seat, wouldn't it? And imagine the sheer satisfaction of watching him absolutely outperform the Spaniard. 😁

stormybadger8 said:Quite an interesting take...

🤔

It looks more like a decision made by Ferrari than anything he's doing...
So, either he’s demanding a massive pay raise just to mess with them, or they simply don't want him anymore.🤷

2015/2016?

By then, Lewis Hamilton will be the same age Raikkonen is now.
Too old.

graniteharbor502 said:It would’ve been nice if Button had stayed put. Imagine him actually giving the Spaniard a run for his money. 😁

I can't believe it.
McLaren is just an old-school outfit where you'll clearly see one driver running the show while the other plays second fiddle.
Alonso is going to hunt down that number one spot wherever he lands. It’s just who he is.

Besides, Jenson Button only really finds his rhythm when he's sitting in a perfectly dialed-in car, and there's zero chance this new McLaren is going to be that smooth. Honestly, I think they're overpaying him, too. It just doesn't feel right.

Roger Wright94 said:I find it hard to believe.
McLaren seems like such an old-school outfit, the kind of team where you strictly designate a number one and a number two driver.
It feels like a certainty that wherever he lands, he will be demanding that top spot. It’s almost a given, isn't it?

Furthermore, doesn't Jenson Button seem to thrive only when the car is absolutely flawless, and we all know this new McLaren certainly won't be hitting those marks just yet? I can't help but feel he might be overpaid, and frankly, the whole situation just doesn't sit right with me.

I am inclined to agree that Alonso likely signed on his own terms, provided he received a ironclad guarantee that he would be the undisputed number one.