Lewis Hamilton has addressed recent comments regarding an approach from Ferrari in the past, but admits he has “no reason to think about it” thanks to his successful time at Mercedes. It comes after Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali admitted he tried to poach Hamilton during his time heading up Ferrari from 2008 to 2014.
In 2007, Hamilton had just enjoyed his first season alongside McLaren, winning his first title in 2008, before moving over to Mercedes in 2013.
The seven-time world champion recently spoke out about his missed opportunities at Ferrari, admitting he wasn’t sure why they never really came to fruition.
Speaking on Thursday ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix, Hamilton was clear to state the past is the past.
“I have no reason to think about it,” said Hamilton. “Each end of a term you have to kind of do your due diligence and see what options you have and I’m really proud of where I’m where I am and what I’ve done with Mercedes.
“I always thought that, and I think I said it before, the idea of going to Ferrari was very short-lived in the sense that when you’re with Mercedes, you’re with a family for life.
“If you look at all the historic drivers that have driven from Mercedes, they’ve been with them until they’re in the 90s. And that’s something that you don’t see in any other team with any other brand.
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“That’s something I’m very, very proud of. Plus we’ve achieved more than anybody. And that’s down to the great teamwork, it’s down to loyalty, and I don’t take that for granted.”
Hamilton has won six titles alongside Mercedes, and is currently eyeing up a record-breaking eighth career triumph.
And recently, when asked if he had ever had serious conversations about signing Hamilton, Domenicali told Sky Sports: “To be honest, yes. This is true. We’ve discussed that.
“I think that the answer that Lewis was able to give is the right one. Today, I think that period has passed.
“There is a movie that for me sometimes is very important to remember, ‘Sliding Doors’. There are moments where if you don’t get into an elevator, you stay on the floor.
“I don’t know. That was the situation that Lewis lived in that specific time of his life. I think that [we] cannot blame his choice, at least, because he had an incredible career.”
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The 36-year-old reigning champion has been breaking records and stamping his name all over Formula One since he started in the championship, but particularly during his time with Mercedes.
However, in the past he has admitted to reminiscing about a lost chance at Ferrari.
“For years, whenever I come to Monza and see the fans, I hear them saying ‘Come to Ferrari!’,” the Mercedes driver told Sky Italia.
“It warms my heart but it’s pretty amazing that I’ve never driven for Ferrari after so many years. Because it’s a dream for everyone, a goal to be achieved.
“It’s never really been possible and I will never quite know exactly why.”
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