Is this the future for Lewis - picture exclusive

How long will it be before Lewis signs for Ferrari? What on earth could Anthony Hamilton and Stefano Domenicali have been talking about when they stole this little chat - snapped exclusively by The Times Formula One Weblog's very own crap photographer - as Stefano was leaving the Mercedes buffet dinner at Hockenheim on Thursday night?

Just as the Ferrari team principal was leaving the outdoor party at the main Mercedes grandstand which was attended by Lewis and several other drivers, he passed Anthony and the two men then walked out together. Having reached what looked like a safe distance from the main throng, they then paused for probably a minute and a half when they were deep in conversation, before Anthony returned.

Of course they may have been comparing notes about hotels in Germany or holiday ideas in Tuscany. But it is also possible they were "touching base" as it were for the future. No one is expecting Lewis to leave McLaren any time soon but the notion that he will end up at Maranello at some point in the not too distant future is regarded by many in the paddock as almost inevitable.

On the other hand there are those who say relations between "Team Hamilton" and some of the senior players at McLaren(including Ron) are none too good already and the option to move might come a lot closer than Lewis's five-year £75 million contract might suggest.

In Formula One there is always a conspiracy theory knocking on the door of common sense; in this case people will say Anthony obviously did this on purpose, knowing that he would be spotted by one or more of the many journalists present and possibly even by Ron himself who was also at the dinner and looking like he had been on a very hot holiday.

My feeling is that, even if things are not completely perfect at McLaren for Lewis and his father, both of them know they owe Ron and McLaren a huge amount and, in Lewis's case especially, there is a very strong emotional bond with a team he has been associated with for more than 10 years. But you never know do you? In the wild and whacky world of Formula One anything is possible. What sort of money might tempt Anthony to the red garage? And what do you think they were saying? Suggestions here...

This apart, the Mercedes evening was notable for the very fact that Domenicali and several other Ferrari staffers - among them the team spin-doctor Luca Colajanni - turned up at the dinner. This would have been unimaginable even a few weeks ago and, when the Italians arrived in their bright red team gear, they certainly turned some heads. They headed for a table near the live band where they were joined, among others by Ron and Norbert and Ross Brawn of Honda.

It seems the new entente cordiale between the old enemies is in full swing. Whatever next?

Pics by Ed Gorman/The Times(click on images to enlarge)

Comments

[Anon]

Strange. I certainly don't think Lewis will go to Ferrari.

Possibly Anothony was trying to get Stefano to confirm that Fernando was going to Ferrari, just to know who Lewis will be fighting against in the future. Just an idea. I wouldn't pay too much attention to this.

[El Ponso]

Well if Manure, Real, Barca, etc. are always trying to sign the best footballers, although a F-1 team is not exactly the same, why a top team shouldn't sign a good driver?
But Lewis is well settled at McLaren at the moment, and even if those rumours about his father with the bosses are true, in a few months they could be a thing of the past, specially if Lewis wins the WC.
It would take a lot of thinking and planning, in my opinion, to such a move.
And he might learn from what happened to Fernando, arriving at the wrong team, in the wrong moment.
But still, who knows?

[Aaron James]

How much money would tempted Anthony? Lots. Plus the relative lack of sponsorship chores that come attendant with driving for Ferrari when compared with the most overt corporate trollop McLaren.

As for Ferrari->McLaren entente, what is the saying about keep your enemies closer? :-)

[Mr. Integrity]

So now Lewis misses Fernando and wants to join him in the red team?

I'd say bring it on, this time Lewis won't have #1 status and Fernando will wipe the floor with him!

[D]

^
Shiney Hyperbole trying to negotiate a discount on the $1m bill Lewis has just received from Ferrari for the damage he did to Dalek's car in Montréal when he drove into the back of it while it was stationary at the pitlane lights?

Nice one, Ed.

[Zoe]

Hey Ed, got a bit of a quirky request for you.

I know you have already done a piece on Jim Clark for the fortieth anniversary of his death but I heard that they had moved the cross they have for him closer to the current track.

Could you possibly get a picture of it and do you know of any drivers that (especially the British lot) are planning on (or have) paid their respects to him while there?

Thank You

Zoe

[IDR]

Err... Ed, just a question,

did you write this thread before the dinner (and spirits) or after?

Take care

On the other hand, after the friendly agreement between McLaren and Ferrari, they celebrate toghether...

or was there Ferrari just collecting the check from McLaren?

I'm sorry Ed but I think you should be promoted to NOTW. What on Earth are you after?

[ramplano]

This one is just to put my name in the first one. It's been so long since I posted last......

[JC]

How much the settlement between the McLaren/Ferrari saga will be? Anthony adding Massa to his portfolio?

If the Santander deal is to be believed then Alonso could probably be at Ferrari so I can't possibly see Lewis there in the near future.

I wish I didn't have to bring this topic up but I wonder how this got past mainstream media: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/kevin_garside/blog/2008/07/09/max_mosley_and_the_euston_40

[Jordi]

mmm... a driver not happy with Mclaren management and rumours of moving to Ferrari. Where did I hear that before?

Ed, it seems to me that you know more than you tell -" My feeling is that, even if things are not completely perfect at McLaren for Lewis and his father..."-

What's happening in Mclaren Ed?

[Jordi]

Picture 1: Stefano- We will give you one pound more than Ron is paying you now.

Picture 2: Anthony- Can you do any better than that?

Picture 3: Stefano- I can give you my mobile phone... it comes with bluetooth handsfree, very handy when driving.

Picture 4: Anthony- Deal!!

[Maurizio]

Anthony was probably trying to get a pass to Ferrari's party, where the food would undoubtly be better than at the Merc party.

[GFehr]

Relax. It was a food gig. They were just trading recipes.

[Tunde Uche]

Yay - Silly season..
Much ado about nothing;
They could've been chatting about what kinda discount he's getting on that new ferrari..
Or
He's selling Macca secrets to Ferrari and creating Anthonygate!
Bottomline is Ferrari won't move a mussel till he's a world champion!!

[todd]

meh who cares? just trading numbers to talk in the future, what about news of vettel switching to redbull? that's something that's actually happening!

[P M Reddy]

No smoke without fire! I don't know whether there is any fire here. But I am certain that you have generated quite an amount of smoke, Ed.Strongly believe, there wouldn't be any any fire in future. Lewis will drive for McLaren as long as he is in F1

P M Reddy, Dubai

[Patrick]

Lewis Hamilton will only attain global status if he signs for the reds of Ferrari, since they are the Man united of F1. No one thought Kimi will will ever leave Mclaren but he did and became world champion. Lewis may never win the world title at Mclaren but it will be certainity if ever joined Ferrari. As a reds fan, I eagerly await the arrival of king Hamilton to the best F1 team in the world.

[Rod]

It could mean anything, which is another way of saying that it probably means nothing. As long as you keep a good zoom lens camera handy, you can pretty much snap anyone talking to anyone else on the paddock, even guys that hate each other. I don't see realistically any chance of Lewis leaving McLaren in the next 3-4 years, and there's not much point discussing with any teams what may happen after that, so if they were talking about driver line-ups at all I would guess it was Hamilton Sr trying to figure out if Alonso is indeed going to Ferrari.

[C. Class]

As Ed writes, anything is possible in the whacky world of F1 but I hardly see it as inevitable that Hamilton will be joining Ferrari in the near future. As good as his rookie season was, this year it's apparent that he's only cooking with water like everybody else. Considering the more than just rumored deal starting 2010 between Ferrari and Santander, I think that it's more likely that Alonso will join Ferrari in 2010, drive for 3 years and then retire. What happens then, Hamilton to Ferrari or whatever else, is still in the stars.

[Weasel]

They were discussing tyre strategy in case it rains at Hockenheim - keep the worn intermediates or go fresh?

Stefano asked this as he was particularly impressed with Anthony's Porsche driving skills....

[JamesC]

Anthony Hamilton is Lewis' agent, not just his father - what good is an agent if he can't talk to different teams to make sure his client is in the best position?

I think Lewis would be more than a little foolish to leave McLaren.

But, his father has to hold out the possibility of Lewis driving for someone else, otherwise there's a danger of Lewis becoming a Ronaldo-style slave for McLaren!!

[Felipe]

That would be great. Fantastic way of repaying all the support McLaren put towards Hamilton's career. Not only did he deprive them from a world championship by sabotaging Alonso last year, he also deprived the, from constructor's championship... he got rid of the best driver around and then he goes to Ferrari... lovely jubbly

[Amy]

There hasn't been anyone involved in F1 for quite a long time that I dislike as much as I dislike Anthony Hamilton.

[Paul]

@PATRICK
Ferrari The Man Utd of F1?
Don't make me laugh, McLaren is the Man Utd, too bad they are Ferrari's feeder club much like Man Utd is Real Madrid's feeder club.

Hala Madrid!

[Galko877]

As a Ferrari fan I'd be more happy with Hamilton than with Alonso. But unfortunately that's unlikely. I think when two people are talking in F1 that doesn't mean they are talking about contracts.

[Anon]

Hey D, for a bit I was scared you had left the blog.

I honestly think Lewis will never leave McLaren. Anthony was probably just getting Ron Dennis to pay Lewis more money.

I'm sure Lewis won't go to Ferrari because 1.) Sntander will go to Ferrari, and 2.) imagine the uproar amongst Spanish F1 fans if they discover that Santander has ditched Alonso for Hamilton. Nope. Not happening soon.

[Nick Jones]

Anthony Hamilton was probably clarifying the options for his next car purchase.

Hamilton saying: 'Stefano, that Ferrari order; I've thought about it long and hard. I do want to push the boat out and get the walnut trim and factory fit mats, cheers.'

[McLaren most sporting team in F1]

> Patrick
Silly man, silly comment.
> JC
See the thread http://timesonline.typepad.com/formula_one/2008/07/the-privacy-cas.html and all will see this is being picked up and commented on by many. It is THE major story and if anyone is not aware of it have a read.

[stephen brown]

This plot is like something out of that wrestling circus.......

[Marc Melander]

Perhaps Hamilton's dad was asking if Stefano knew of a reliable, discreet photocopy shop ?

[andy]

Look, there is NO WAY Lewis will go drive for Ferrari any time soon. He's been with McLaren since he was 10, Ron sponsored him throughout the later part of his carting days, Lewis is fully integrated into 'Corporate McLaren', hes on a very lucrative long term contract, McLaren are on the up at the moment and could, possibly, give Lewis his first world championship this year, Lewis will like to be seen to 'Do a Schumy' and take a team from consistant number 2 or 3 to consistant number 1. The alegations and legal shinanagans between Ferrari and McLaren last year damaged Lewis for sure - He will be no Ferrari fan.

As has bee posted here already, its FAR more likely that the conversation centered around another driver (Masa?) not Lewis.

The suggestion that he will go drive for Ferrari is ludicrous. Come back in 3 or 4 years when his McLaren contract ends and tell me I'm wrong.

[Lloyd]

I do not think Ferrari want or need Hamilton.

[James Underhay]

Anthony Hamilton happens to have his mobile in his hand as well which may suggest he was taking contact details to discuss things in more detail away from prying eyes! Now, where did I put that big stirring spoon??!

[Taff]

I guess Lewis Hamilton is trying to free himself fom the shackles of Mclaren, ey. This 'slavery' in F1 has gone too far, lol. 75million in 5 years is real slavery for sure......

[andy]

Patrick,
Check your history before making such benal comments - Ferrari came to the fore in recent years thanks, soley, to one Michael Schumacher. Now hes gone. Ferrari's win last year was due to excellent lawyers, not drivers. McLaren have a great history of championships themselves and despite the massive setback caused by the $100 million fine and pit position are still in contention this year (for driver WC even if not so much for constructors....yet).

Why do Ferrari fans ALWAYS act like McLaren have never won anything? Go back and check your history.

I predict Lewis drivers champ this year, Ferrari constructors. Lewis drivers champ next year, McLaren constructors.

[Tim]

I hate to say I told you so, but I did suggest several days ago that the Santander/Ferrari deal might not mean it was Fernando Alonso moving to Maranello...

Seriously, I don't think you can read a huge amount into Hamilton Senior speaking to a senior Ferrari manager. I suspect Lewis' McLaren deal is fairly secure and any buyout clause it contains would be rather expensive. Given that Hamilton is jointly leading the championship, I can't see how any performance-related clauses would be engaged either. Lewis has not long signed a new multi-year deal with McLaren, and it appears to have been fairly generous salary wise. McLaren have been able to provide a car capable of challenging for the title throughout Hamilton's short time in F1 and, given that the team appears to have survived "Spygate" without long term damage, there's no sign of a threat to future competitiveness either.

Having said that, however, it may be the case that relations between the Hamiltons and McLaren are not exactly ideal. I'm not sure I agree that "Team Hamilton" feels hugely obligated to repay Ron Dennis for his early support of Lewis' career -the length (five years) of the current contract may indicate that Ron wants to maximise the benefits of his investment, but the value (£15m per year) certainly doesn't imply that the Hamiltons are feeling the need to be especially charitable about it.

Eighteen months is a very long time in F1 - Michael Schumacher fighting Fernando Alonso for the 2006 title already seems like a long time ago - and F1 memories are very short. It certainly isn't impossible that Anthony Hamilton believes his son has already repaid McLaren's investment in Lewis' early career, regardless of any emotional bond that may exist.

In fact, if you recall, a story recently emerged that Hamilton Senior had made "an emotional phone call" to Williams while Lewis was still in F3. There had apparently been some sort of disagreement with Ron and it looked like McLaren backing could be withdrawn. Anthony was straight on the phone to Grove, trying to see if Williams would be interested in backing his son. It never came to anything, which Williams claimed was because of a lack of money, but it does show just how easily the Hamiltons were prepared to jump ship - despite the bond with McLaren...

[John]

Ron, Ross and Stefano talking!!! these sort of players will at some point every race weekend talk.. I am only surprised to hear that Flav was not there. As the senior men at the big teams they will discuss all sorts of F1/FIA politics, nothing to read in to there. As for Anthony talking to Stefano this is just as straightforward, every racing driver in the world would love to drive for Ferrari at SOME POINT in their life, it’s just the done thing... all the greats have done it. The greatest of them all Senna even said he wanted to end his career there... just a great shame he didn’t get chance. If Anthony is doing his job properly you can never have to many names and numbers in that Blackberry and at some point Lewis will want a Ferrari seat! Next year - No, the year after - probably not... but sometime in the next 5 years - almost certain.. and if he wants the big bucks in sponsorship etc, then he has to go to Ferrari. Ferrari still probably maintain 50-60% of the worldwide fan base by themselves. On top of that by 2011 Ferrari need to find themselves a sponsor to fill the $200m hole left in their bank balance when they part company with that well known tobacco sponsor.

[Carleton Twitchell]

Some scoop Ed! So lets recap...LH just signed at the dawn of 08 a huge 5 year contract with Rons team..it'll have get out clauses on each side ..irreconcilable breakdowns etc..Rons exodus ..the credit crunch..and lets not forget the Lewis they nurtured is now a superstar (capital S when and if he wins the big one..)...so could it be that he's become too big for McLaren ..like the Reebok deal is 50 days eating into their calendar of commitments.I cant see his Dad being his manager forever..too close personally to see it professionally perhaps .
No...heres the rub..as they say in cricket.. the Hamilton/Luca chat was probably about the new Enzo he's ordering and whether it will have the carbon fibre look or the sharkskin..? Nahhh...
How about the latest gossip regarding BernieMax? Could be..
So how do the 'tifosi' view Lewis? Tell me ..we hear a lot from Alonsos fans and rightly so..a giant in the All-Time-Wins-A-List..and he will add more for sure ..BUT..my money would be on Fernando going to the Prancing Horse ..Fernari-gate what!
Ok which sounds more desirable "The Ferrari Stradale SuperBarca 'Alonso' Edition" OR .."The Ferrari Goodwood-Hamilton Spaventiissimo Editione!"? New Ferrari car names please ..dont spare the humour..
So what else could it've been..? Ed you need to zoom in on their LIPS next time and do a video clip! :)
Testing at Donington.!.thats what its about...next winter testing ..Ferrari have booked the circuit..would he like to try a Ferrari road car there..they'll trade the "Playground" Porsche ..leave the fitted mats ..throw in Bluetooth,Sat Nav,Wii,dinner with Madonna,..
So hows the Bratwurst , Sauerkraut and Lederhosen? I bet El Presidente is happy ..like being back at Schule!
OK enough of this pre-dawn Maineiacal banter..how about Bimmer pulling off the Big One ..under the radar... new engine,new aeros ...the Big Putsch..1,2..is it a Ferrari circuit ?..will Massa bounce back? Will Kimi eat too much Wurst? Will Ross pull another blinder on the tyres ...maybe! Rubens top 3?Mebbe..DC more points ..possible.
So back to the chat..this is how it went...
"Tony ,have you heard about this new team Jean Todt is forming?"
" No,Luca ,thats the first Ive heard about it ..man.I like that jacket ,can I get three?.."
"Sure ,I know this great tailor in Modena..The Tailor of Modena!"
"Thanks Mate.I'll get you my sons autograph on the back of a packet of organic Buccatini.."
"Cool, thanks a million .Euros not lira,eh!"
"Ooh ..oh theres that pain in the Proverbial Ed B...g Gorman with that camera of his! Gor Blimey ,his Mince Pies are Everywhere!"
So when will Auto Union be back?

[CHIUNDA]

"On the other hand there are those who say relations between "Team Hamilton" and some of the senior players at McLaren(including Ron) are none too good already" - Ed this is a worrying statement especially the part "including Ron". Throughout the season you got the feeling Whitmarsh was not that excited about Lewis - but Ron? Wow!!

So do you mind giving us a little bit more detail on what is going wrong at McLaren with their star Rookie? It would sure explain Hamilton's recent mental unsteadiness and the rather glaring team errors since the tail end of 2007.

[Clive]

"snapped exclusively by The Times Formula One Weblog's very own CRAP photographer -"

Not really Times writing, is it ?

[James]

All I know is that I would never turn my back on either of the Hamiltons. Entirely possible this was a deliberate ploy to worry Ron and get tongues wagging.

[Henry Brooks]

"snapped exclusively by The Times Formula One Weblog's very own CRAP photographer"? Such modesty, so unusual for jornalists... ;-)

[Punit]

Running out of news? Leave the speculation to the tabloids, eh?

[Elias]

Patrick, as least you called him King Hamilton, because you know that he is king of the F1 track - as he proved at Silverstone!
But take it from me, Lewis will not stab Ron the back and leave McLaren, which has nurtured his career to this point. He will obtain greatness (World Champion) through McLaren this year and in the following years. Lewis has class, charisma and Loyalty! And so does Anthony! Money isn't everything, as some people seem to believe!

[Verbal]

I think Lewis is a much more viable and attractive option for ferrari than Alonso. I think Ferrari would be a lot more covert tho if they were after Hamilton

[Alex]

As Alonso waits to become F1's most expensive ever pay driver, courtesy of Santander, his ultimate nightmare looms on the horizon. He knows he was well beaten by Lewis in his rookie year, it may be at least 2 years before we see LH and FA as teammates in a red car, but history would repeat itself, FA and his Fernatics had better start planning some pretty mindblowing excuses fast.

[PTM]

Mr Integrity
Yep just like he did in Mclaren hey?

[Marilyn]

Mr Gorman, what's going on? you are still repeating than Lewis and his dad are having relation issues with management including Ron. Even after Ron has denied this. What's really going on? Lewis to Ferrari?
It could happen and why not. Anthony must do whatever is best for Lewis and if that means Ferrari then so be it. I must say I have never supported Ferrari, but I would try, if Lewis went there.

[edoardo chioni]

too much parenthing from the father of lewis.
nevertheless, if he will seat on board the F1 ferrari in 2009, I will be very happy, as an italian.

[Matthew Jones]

Not very secret now, is it?

[McCheets]

ANDY

If you believe that lawyers won last year's title for Raikkonen, then you clearly weren't watching the final two races of the season.

As Ferrari stated after Brazil, the internal management structure and ambience at Ferrari played a great role too. McLaren would have envied such harmony.

[McCheets]

PAUL

McLaren is more like the English cricket team - haven't won a great deal for a long time, go overboard in celebrations when they do win something, throw away what should be emphatic victories, and are not averse to using questionable actions in order to try to get to the top.

[TC]

Anthony was asking if ferrari had any plans to fit brake lights to Kimis car

[Kathryn S]

Missed you, D.

Body language in the pictures is very interesting...open to interpretation, but some key points.

Both men keep their hands firmly in their pockets while talking--neither wants to "show their hand" regardless of the subject involved.

They are carefully angled at 90 degrees--not face to face, so seems to add to the illusion of privacy or off the record conversation.

In the sequence of pictures they move much closer together...Domenicali seems to be the one moving. Notice in the second picture their legs are closer together, but his upper body has pulled back...but he moves closer again in the third picture.

Can't draw any definitive conclusions just from body language, but it's fairly interesting to contemplate.

There may be a message to Ron Dennis from Anthony Hamilton here.

[giuseppe]

1998 last mclaren world championship
2001 last mclaren driver world champion
...10 years ago.
last season even with the Ferrari technical information (cheater!!!)you managed to loose the championship.
and this year ..Hamilton is already trying to move to the Scuderia.
Don't forget that without the silly mistakes that we have done in the recent races we would have been miles away..unless someone doesn't respect the red light(no commet please... because he went straight for kimi...and not for the Pole...cheater )
enjoy the RED my english friend

[John]

Ferrari is by far the most popular F1 team, no other team even comes close to its worldwide appeal. Almost all the great drivers have been with Ferrari at some point in their careers - Fangio, Lauda, Villeneuve (father), Mansell, Prost, Schumacher. Alas, why shouldn't Hamilton compete with the most popular and successful team in F1 history?

Kathryn,
Agree with you. Sure it is a message from Hamilton father to Dennis. Possibly something he wants to get and Dennis is not so keen on giving. Put some pressure on Dennis.
If that was not the intention in the first place, I think Anthony will be quick to profit by the situation.

One more thing. If Lewis Hamilton doesn't get the championship it's not the blame of Mclaren, it is thanks to his own mistakes. Ferrari couldn't do better in that respect. I doubt Ferrari would give Hamilton more support than he has at Mclaren.Possibly they wouldn't excuse Hamilton's mistakes the way Ron does. Would be a nice way of repaying Dennis.

[Matt Black]

So now Lewis misses Fernando and wants to join him in the red team?

I'd say bring it on, this time Lewis won't have #1 status and Fernando will wipe the floor with him!

Posted by: Mr. Integrity

In your dreams, comedian!

[Matt Black]

I do not think Ferrari want or need Hamilton.

Posted by: Lloyd

More to the point, I do not think Hamilton wants or needs Ferrari!

[Matt Black]

McLaren is more like the English cricket team - haven't won a great deal for a long time, go overboard in celebrations when they do win something, throw away what should be emphatic victories, and are not averse to using questionable actions in order to try to get to the top.

Posted by: McCheets

How long have you been following F1 then, Ferrari–Holier Than Thou–Fan? I think you'll find that Ferrari has a whole history of dubious FIA decisions to its benefit… and don't forget the minor fact that the whole spy 'scandal' last year was actually instigated by a Ferrari employee. Go figure… in fact, don't bother. Best off without any of your pointless rubbish!

[Anon]

I think Lewis will win the championship (and Hockenheim this year). THen he shall slip into Beckham lifestyle (if he doesn't stop soon).

[Weasel]

What a dirty little rumourmonger you are Ed - now look what you have done - the armchair experts on this blog are taking this so very seriously indeed. Slapped wrists for naughty Ed!

7/10ths margin in final practice for Lewis - as Bob Varsha commented on Speed TV "A statement lap by Lewis"

[Keith]

I'm embarrassed for you. Do you call this journalism ?.

[Kohque]

Hamilton will never go to Ferrari. Santander is not going to spend millions in a team with the most disliked driver in Spain. In fact, it is leaving it with one year notice...

Why all that hurry from Santander to make a deal with Ferrari when it has a contract with McLaren until the end of next season? Is it related to Alonso?

Well, if money talks then Alonso is probably quite a few millions closer to Ferrari than Hamilton will ever be. And even if Alonso goes to Force India, Ferrari can choose to bring Kubica, an equally impressive driver, without damaging its relationship with one of its sponsors.

I don't like sponsors meddling with sports, but that's the way it works nowadays.

[McLaren most sporting team in F1]

> McCheets
It is obvious you are a McLaren hater.
McLaren are one of the best F1 teams there has ever been so just get over yourself man.

Weasel
I agree mate, what a lap.

[McLaren most sporting team in F1]

> Matt Black
Could not agree with your more about the McCheets fool. I think he may have a problem because he posts dribble regards anything to do with McLaren or posters posts he disagrees with.

[javiervivaespania]

Hamilton and Fernando reunited at Ferrari? Let's be serious. Like Anon, I think that Anthony is having a headache with the rumours (for us the Spanish, the knowledge) that Magic will be racing for Ferrari next year.
I bet both, father and son, are having trouble to get a good sleep knowing the tide that is coming next year.
Ha, ha.

[victor - Vitoria - Spain]

Only a complete selfish and petulant person could betray the support ML have given to him, since he was a boy. Even leaving aside a double WC who highly participated in obtaining a very competitive car ( which it is lasting this year), and not corresponding with any title to this confidence.

I think LH is not such ungrateful person, and even, he is not on the wave of Ferrari.

It is just a joke of Mr. Gorman, to create an interesting thread for discussion.

Regards and good weekend.

[ELCROWLEY]

Well, it sems all britons are jeaolus that Fernando goes to the best team, Ferrari. The best driver on the grid goes to the best F1 team. And of course, britons are crazy because Alonso is the choosen.

[Glorius&Victorius]

I think the Hamiltons aren't happy with the treatment LH is getting at Mclaren, and I think it has to do with Heikki getting all the freedom to pressure Lewis. Ron isn't giving Lewis the relaxed environment in which he can cruise to the WDC. He has to fight for it, show commitment and work ... preferably with a Schumacher/Senna-esque discipline and dedication.

Lewis doesn't have that discipline and dedication in my opinion. He's talented and blindingly fast, but he's no Senna, nor Schumacher in terms of giving up everything else in the world and focus on racing.

I can imagine someone like Ron, a perfectionist in every sense of the word, having witnessed and worked with Senna, only expecting better and higher than the Senna-bar. So Ron expects more from LH and will not do him favors.

Doesn't sit well with the Hamiltons.

Lewis made a comment today about how in race setup, Heikki is "no where near him". First time he spoke in such a way about Heikki. Did the pole position of HK do something to LH and AH?

Then this rumour of Rosberg coming to Mclaren. Why bringing in someone who many think is a potential WDC? It seems (if the rumour is true) that Ron is prepared to give less favors to LH.

So the Hamiltons send a signal back to Mclaren: AH speaks to SD, only waiting to be snapped by photographers, and LH praises the stability and performance of the red cars.

[Mike Griese]

Seems pretty simple math to me. Lewis wants to be World Champion. If McLaren can't deliver that, he will move to wherever he thinks is the best opportunity.

McLaren's equal commitment to both drivers is admirable from a sporting point of view, but it has cost them championships. If Heikki starts taking points off of Lewis, the relationship between the Hamilton camp and McLaren will only get worse.

[Verbal]

Well done Ed, you've clearly got some folks feathers rufled lol but to be fair you are only reporting whats in pictures.
Even the FA fans are upset by your post becos in their minds if LH lands a ferrari drive its all over for Alonso because his chances of going to ferrari are automatically slimed and even if he does, FA has already been beaten once by LH.

It might surpprise some people but in terms of comercial value, marketability LH is actually a lo more valuable than Alonso on the world market so once again Santander is a world bank and their going to Ferrari will have little to do with FA. Ed will correct me if I'm wrong but FAs reputation at the moment is "The Double WDC who got beat by a rookie" even red bull didnt take him serious, they thought his salary demands were too high and Vettel had mor POTENTIAL.

javiervivaespania - What will you do and say when 2009 comes and Alonso is not in a Ferrari ?
what will you say if he does go to Ferrari and gets beaten by his team mate ? are you going to blame the car ?

FA and LH deserve each other if you ask me, I think they should be reunited Renault/Mclaren should get them both on a 2 for the price of one deal. The only excuse is LH has room to develop whereas FA has peaked and this is the 2nd reason why a team looking to employ one of them might pick LH over FA. When you hire drivers, you pay for what they will do for you (how many Constructors-yes constructors are more important than WDCs to the team-they will win), not what they have won or how many championships they've won.

PS - Hamilton owes Mclaren about as much as they owe him, its a symbaotic relationship, they need each other equally...Its business

[Jim Leasor]

OF COURSE THE BEST DRIVER WILL ( AT SOME POINT ) ALWAYS BE WITH THE BEST TEAM IN THE BEST CAR!!!!!!!!!!!

[AFO]

Well well, it's been already denied by all parties involved so in the end it's kinda moot point.

BUT, I really hope this never happens, ever! How am I supposed to follow a race, being the Ferrari fan that I am hoping and being really happy when one of "our" drivers crashes? It's hard to even imagine him in a red suit.

Hamilton in Ferrari? NAH! Never gonna happen!

[McCheets]

MATT BLACK

“Go figure… in fact, don't bother. Best off without any of your pointless rubbish!”

I can’t think of anything less pointless than your posting. What purpose does it serve other than to show that you are a sulker who can’t handle any negative comments being made about McLaren?

If you wish to discuss dubious decisions, consider the following.

- No penalty for Hamilton at Monza last year for cutting the chicane and overtaking Massa in the process.

- Penalty for Kubica for a hard but fair overtaking manoeuvre on Hamilton in Shanghai.

- No penalty for Hamilton for exceeding his tyre quota in Brazil.

- Hamilton (and Alonso) allowed to compete after the FIA decreed that McLaren had been making use of Ferrari data.

As for your “Ferrari–Holier Than Thou–Fan” claim, you clearly share a great deal with your namesake at McLaren, Mr Bishop.

Perhaps you have been following F1 for longer than I have, perhaps you have not. Perhaps you are a fan of the English cricket team, perhaps you are not. What matters is knowing what the facts are, and you appear to be oblivious to the truth.

Please either address the points that I raised, or quit your sulking.

-McLaren hasn’t won a great deal for a long time. (Last drivers’ title in 1999, last constructors’ title in 1998).
- McLaren go overboard in celebrations when they do win something. Witness Monaco and Silverstone this year.
- McLaren throw away what should be emphatic victories. (1999 constructors’ title, both titles in 2000, drivers’ title in 2007, and what should have been an emphatic win in the 2007 constructors’ championship.)
- McLaren is not averse to using questionable actions in order to try to get to the top. (Read the FIA report issued in December 2007 to see what went on inside of McLaren last year, and also check out information on the Renault dossier that Matt Bishop issued.)

[McCheets]

MCLAREN MOST SPORTING TEAM IN F1

Keep it up, McLaren needs you!

[McCheets]

MIKE GRIESE

McLaren's 'equal treatment' of both drivers is a manifestation of its philosophy that the team comes first and the drivers second. Traditionally McLaren has not wanted the drivers to be bigger than the team (in contrast to the Schumacher/Ferrari situation), this is why, for example, McLaren drivers were unable to produce and sell their own merchandise for several seasons. If the focus is on a driver, rather than the team, the team can experience significant ramifications in terms of sponsorhip when the driver leaves the team. The interests of McLaren are thus best served by ensuring that it is the team, and not the drivers who are at the forefront. Williams follows a similar philosophy.

It will be interesting to see how McLaren handles Hamilton as time progresses, as if they wish to keep him they will need to deviate from their traditional modus operandi.

[GV]

They are beautiful friends (L)

http://www.GradaVirtual.com

[Carlos]

Perhaps Pappy Lewis read this article and got all nervous for Baby Lewis. After last years Ron-Lewis fiasco I don't blame Mercedes.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/18/sports/SRMERCEDES.1-300631.php

[nicki, california,usa]

Ed, why don't you ask Anthony; he loves to talk to the press and have his picture taken?

[elcrowley]

Ed, why do you post stupid issues like this one? Do you know all crew on F1 has had big laughs with this issue?

[CHIUNDA]

MCCHEETS

Much as i dont like your attitude towards McLaren, i have to agree with you when you say McLaren's policy is to ensure that the team is always bigger than the drivers. In this respect, Alonso had to go and now i understand why Hamilton has to go as well. If Anthony Hamilton continues to push too hard,the uneasy leeway McLaren have given him will soon or is already starting to run out.

So from this perspective what might be happening is actually a race for Ferrari by three drivers - Kubica, Lewis and Alonso rather than the other way round. The question is who will come out tops in the fight for the British public opinion between McLaren and Lewis. If McLaren push out Lewis before he wins the WDC the British will slaughter RD for denying them a chance at a much missed sporting trophy. So at least for now, even Whitmarsh is going to be walking gingerly around Lewis.

However once the WDC has been won, Lewis moving to Ferrari will probably be viewed as insolent, unpatriotic and ungrateful to a British icon that stuck a silver spoon in his mouth at the expense of other maybe equally able and probably more patriotic english drivers.

[Samuel]

Can they be preparing another spygate...? No, it was just a PRO strategy by Anthony to shift tension from the Saturday/Sunday GP and prepare a relax drive for a Lewis advantage. A 10 pointS easy win this weekend can be the key to the WC.
I predict more suprising sensational news in the coming GPs.

[Jordi]

@ VERVAL

"PS - Hamilton owes Mclaren about as much as they owe him, its a symbaotic relationship, they need each other equally...Its business"

Sorry, but did I miss something here? What has LH done for Mclaren to owe him something?

Mclaren without LH would still be one of the better teams in F1.

LH without Mclaren would be at the end of the grid trying to get a point with a force-india or similar.

Get real.

[McCheets]

CHIUNDA

I wonder if McLaren receives a proportion of Hamilton's endorsement earnings. Does anybody know the answer to this question?

[raggy]

Poor Alonso, stuffed by a rookie team-mate again! Of course, the finest driver there has ever been is constantly being deliberately disadvantaged, first by McLaren and now by Renault, but these results are not doing his credibility any good. He's only as good as his last race, like Lewis.

[Laura]

Congratulationes: to LH, very good race, Mclaren made a big mistake.Kova permit to be advanced by Hamilton, one point riculous.Piquet very good, he risk and obtain it, with the security car, they have a happy idea and finished in podium.

Pathetic: Specially Massa, he is a packet driver he don't deserve to be in important teams, go away, you are not ferrari driver. Rai, what happened with him?he is not doing nothing he is losing his championship step by step, wake up!. Alonso, I have no words with him.He had bad luck and he is nervous and he is not doing mistakes but he can't with this car, bad bad bad. It not fair to see Alonso with this car.

[Alastair]

"I'd say bring it on, this time Lewis won't have #1 status and Fernando will wipe the floor with him!..."

Yeah, right... just like he did at McLaren? Lol.

[Alastair]

"LH without Mclaren would be at the end of the grid trying to get a point with a force-india or similar."

Somehow I doubt that. LH would be the first pick or every team on the grid and could join whichever team he chose to. The fact that you dislike his talent doesn't change the fact that he's the best prospect in the sport.

[eric]

Come on. I would not even have reported on this cause its never going to happen. What a waste of bandwidth.
If anything,.. its probably Anthony trying to ask what the procedure to obtain a special made Ferrari road car for himself or for his 'friend' who loaned him a porsche GT which Anthony went on to test its strength against a hedge.
Then again, maybe Anthony wanted to Gloat over how good Mclaren have got this year mainly thanks to the spygate saga. Its always good to get information like tyre setup (gases used etc) for free.

[James]

They're definitely talking secrets. Look at the body language.

[Nick]

Turn this on its head;

What if Domenicali was asking to join McLaren . . .

[sal]

that would be demoting Lewis!!!! Why all rhe rumours can't people talk anymore, these people see each other on a regular basis, they could be talking about their Constipation

[JES]

I don't understand the point of this piece of news. It's a normal conversation between friends. Don't forget Hamilton's family gave the championship to Ferrary the las season.

[Zero]

Hamilton wins 2 races and he is the best driver inthe world.Crash with raikonen or other things on another 2 races and he is the worst.Its always the same.Give more time to the championship.We can talk if he is damn good or not at the end.One things is sure.Alonso haven´t a car to race.
First i dont think hamilton will race in another car than a McLaren.Hamilton is still a child over protected by Ron Dennis and the england press.I dont think he could have the same rate of wins on other team of f1.Not the same support and love than in mclaren.
His contract with the team is almost one of those that fix all your life with the team.Good paid,english on england team. 1st driver.With a team mate that let you pass everytime you are behind him without risks.Life its easy on Mclaren for lewis.
On the side of ferrari Massa and Raikonen are not bad drivers but Massa still not a crack like Shumi and raikonen is on a bad moment.There are only a few drivers that can end on ferrari i think and i doubt it will be on 2009.I think on 2010 one driver will go to ferrari (only if massa or raiko say good bye this will come sooner on 2009).The drivers that can move i think can be kubica (but i doubt it becouse he have contract with bmw and he is happy now there),vetel but its a bit risky get him for ferrari.And the most common sense is to get alonso..a double champion and good driver to ferrari.
Think on Hamilton driving a ferrari for me is like a joke.

[Nick]

re. Hamilton & Ferrari - I suspect its just queering the pitch for the 2010 Alonso to Ferrari move.

re. Ferrari @ Merc Do - Note the mention of Honda, any chance this is just global manufacturers showing solidarity and putting the 'willies up' Max & Bernie ?? Where is Max ?

Best, Nick

[Nick]

re. Hamilton & Ferrari - I suspect its just queering the pitch for the 2010 Alonso to Ferrari move.

re. Ferrari @ Merc Do - Note the mention of Honda, any chance this is just global manufacturers showing solidarity and putting the 'willies up' Max & Bernie ?? Where is Max ?

Best, Nick

[Richard]

ED - 'they then paused for probably a minute and a half when they were deep in conversation'..

So they had a deep conversation for a whole 90 seconds - they must have covered so much ground, there definitely has to be something going on...!! Can we get back to reality now please?

[Sad day for F1]

That's LH father paying off the Ferrari team for having Massa pull over and let his son slip past. I'm sure Nelson Piquet picked up a nice payday also.

F1 is fixed The winners are pre-selected. This year is Hamilton.

It's a sad day for F1!!