close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Hamilton and Ecclestone

Ecclestone reveals cash shortfall deal in Hamilton Mercedes switch

Hamilton and Ecclestone — Photo: © LAT Images
1 reactie

Ecclestone reveals cash shortfall deal in Hamilton Mercedes switch

Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 and has since claimed six further world titles

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed the part he played in securing Lewis Hamilton what has proven to be a career-defining move to Mercedes.

Hamilton joined the Silver Arrows in 2013 and has since claimed an additional six F1 championship titles to add to the 2008 crown he secured with McLaren.

Although it was ultimately Niki Lauda that convinced the Briton to make the switch from McLaren to Mercedes, a financial barrier threatened to derail the move.

Speaking on the Discovery+ documentary series 'Lucky!', Ecclestone revealed how he stepped into the breach to ensure a move was completed - even if his help was ultimately not required.

"Niki realised what a valuable driver Lewis was, and he found some way of persuading him that he should be driving for Mercedes," said Ecclestone.

"If he [Hamilton] didn't get paid what he wanted, he wasn't going to agree [to race for them].

"I said 'He's somebody that Mercedes needs, so I'll pay the difference' - but eventually Mercedes paid."

The move naturally paid off with stunning results, with Hamilton claiming 82 wins to date with Mercedes, in addition to the six championships, as well as assisting the team to a record-breaking eight consecutive constructors' titles.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 star slams McLaren strategy: 'They just drain rival teams'

F1 star slams McLaren strategy: 'They just drain rival teams'

  • 18 minutes ago
Max Verstappen produces sensational lap to warm up for iconic Nurburgring showdown

Max Verstappen produces sensational lap to warm up for iconic Nurburgring showdown

  • 1 hour ago
F1 News Today: Hamilton fearing Ferrari path as Red Bull target shock driver transfer

F1 News Today: Hamilton fearing Ferrari path as Red Bull target shock driver transfer

  • 1 hour ago
F1 crisis team Aston Martin handed crucial 2026 lifeline with $11m FIA rule change

F1 crisis team Aston Martin handed crucial 2026 lifeline with $11m FIA rule change

  • 2 hours ago
Max Verstappen drops savage line on US comedian: 'I'm ver-stopping this interview'

Max Verstappen drops savage line on US comedian: 'I'm ver-stopping this interview'

  • 3 hours ago
FIA announce ANOTHER F1 rule change after engines row

FIA announce ANOTHER F1 rule change after engines row

  • 3 hours ago

Just in

19:44
F1 star slams McLaren strategy: 'They just drain rival teams'
18:55
Max Verstappen produces sensational lap to warm up for iconic Nurburgring showdown
18:26
F1 News Today: Hamilton fearing Ferrari path as Red Bull target shock driver transfer
17:55
F1 crisis team Aston Martin handed crucial 2026 lifeline with $11m FIA rule change
16:55
Max Verstappen drops savage line on US comedian: 'I'm ver-stopping this interview'
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

FIA announce ANOTHER F1 rule change after engines row Latest F1 News

FIA announce ANOTHER F1 rule change after engines row

3 hours ago
F1's V8 plan proves drivers have won FIA regulation argument F1 Regulations

F1's V8 plan proves drivers have won FIA regulation argument

Today 14:02
F1 team faces '$1.3m damage cost' after spectacular Miami Grand Prix crash Alpine F1

F1 team faces '$1.3m damage cost' after spectacular Miami Grand Prix crash

Today 12:55
FIA announce F1 2026 change which could hamper Mercedes title charge Latest F1 News

FIA announce F1 2026 change which could hamper Mercedes title charge

Today 10:31
Ontdek het op Google Play
x