Former Mercedes F1 boss claims he was “completely blown away” by Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move

Lewis Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari next year has surprised many in the paddock including former Mercedes Motorsport Vice President Norbert Haug.

Former Mercedes F1 boss claims he was “completely blown away” by Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (Via: Imago)

Lewis Hamilton‘s bombshell move to Ferrari has been finalized with the Briton signing a multi-year contract with Maranello. This move has been labeled as a good move by the majority of the people in Formula 1. Hence, amidst this, Former Mercedes Motorsport Vice President Norbert Haug recalled his feelings while acknowledging the Briton’s move.

Haug highlighted the relationship between Hamilton and Mercedes and how it would last for eternity. The Briton had been in Mercedes ever since 2013 and didn’t look back since then. The 39-year-old won six world championships alongside Brackley and had no intentions to leave the team anytime soon. However, that was certainly not the case. Lewis Hamilton signed a staggering $430 million deal with Maranello.

If I had a bet on one thing, on a combination in Formula 1 that would last for all eternity, it would have been Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
Haug told motorsport-magazine.com.
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Additionally, Haug claimed that he was ‘completely blown away’ when he came to know about the seven-time world champion’s move to Ferrari in 2025. The German mentioned that he would’ve sworn on everything that the partnership between Lewis Hamilton and the Silver Arrows would stay forever. Moreover, Norbert Haug asserted that according to him Hamilton would’ve been the brand ambassador for Mercedes after leaving the sport.

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I was completely blown away. I would have sworn all my oaths that it would stay that way forever and that he will stay with the star as a brand ambassador or whatever afterwards.

Lewis Hamilton was a perfect employee for Norbert Haug

Haug was all praises for Hamilton and the German even labeled the driver as ‘perfect’ for him. However, the 71-year-old did not hesitate to accept the fact that Max Verstappen was becoming a threat to Hamilton’s legacy in the sport. Regardless, the German was praiseful of the Briton and not the Dutchman.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Additionally, Haug mentioned that Hamilton’s appearance, activities off the track, and his fight for equal treatment made him a great candidate overall. This was something very remarkable about the Briton and hence was loved more by the former manager. Hamilton will hence conclude his final season at Mercedes in 2024.

The Briton has laid out his plans to finish the season on a high keeping in mind his final year at Brackley. The team has provided the driver with a lot of great moments in the history of the sport and leaving the team will definitely be an extremely difficult task for the driver. Hence, Hamilton prepares for the challenges in the upcoming season and potentially contend for the championship.

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