F1 News: This Driver Knew About Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Move Before Anyone
Zhou Guanyu has disclosed he was privy to Lewis Hamilton's unexpected move to Ferrari before it was officially announced. The news of Hamilton's departure from Mercedes for Ferrari, set to occur after this season, came as a major surprise to fans and insiders alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Zhou Guanyu's Insider Information: Zhou was informed of Hamilton's monumental move to Ferrari by Marc Hynes, a member of Hamilton's management team. This made Zhou one of the few individuals outside of the immediate negotiating parties to be aware of the switch before its official announcement.
- Hamilton's Historic Move: Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in what is being termed one of the most significant driver moves in F1 history. The move, scheduled for 2025, has sent shockwaves through the racing world, highlighting the rarity and impact of such a high-profile transition.
- The Element of Surprise and Anticipation: The timing of Hamilton's announcement, made well before the end of his tenure with Mercedes, has been labeled as unexpected by Zhou, underscoring the shock and excitement within the F1 community regarding the impending change. Zhou's perspective sheds light on the unique allure of retiring as a Ferrari driver, a dream for many in the sport.
In an interview with RacingNews365, Zhou Guanyu, the Sauber driver, shared his unique insight into one of the most talked-about moves in Formula 1's recent history.
“I didn't check that much [the reaction to Hamilton’s news in China] but people probably didn’t believe it, or 90 per cent of the people [didn’t believe it] when rumours came out,” he said.
“I know Marc, which is his [Hamilton’s] kind of management together with me.
“I text him before it, so I knew he was signing, it was a fact. I didn't tell anyone, but I was really shocked by the news.
“But I think the people back there [at Mercedes], it’s going to be even more shocking. I think as a driver, especially Lewis, I think he is seeing himself to retire as a Ferrari driver.
“It’s obviously very nice to have. I don't blame him for having this kind of feeling.”
While surprising, the move to Ferrari represents a significant personal and professional milestone for Hamilton, who, according to Zhou, envisions retiring with the iconic racing team.
This transition, happening at the beginning of the 2025 season, will certainly keep us fans on our toes.