close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • 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

Google Make us your Google favorite

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 legend's son gets stuck behind a TRUCK leaving pitlane in bizarre incident

F1 legend's son gets stuck behind a TRUCK leaving pitlane in bizarre incident

  • 2 hours ago
F1 Summer Break: Lewis and Kim unfiltered, Russell engaged and Leclercs dote on new arrival

F1 Summer Break: Lewis and Kim unfiltered, Russell engaged and Leclercs dote on new arrival

  • 3 hours ago
Charles Leclerc fires F1 title fight warning and it's bad news for Lewis Hamilton

Charles Leclerc fires F1 title fight warning and it's bad news for Lewis Hamilton

  • Yesterday 20:58
When George met Carmen: The chance blind date which led to F1's latest engagement

When George met Carmen: The chance blind date which led to F1's latest engagement

  • Yesterday 19:30
Lewis Hamilton and the shock Red Bull move that leaves F1 with regrets

Lewis Hamilton and the shock Red Bull move that leaves F1 with regrets

  • Yesterday 18:44
F1 star issues emotional retirement statement after 30 years of racing

F1 star issues emotional retirement statement after 30 years of racing

  • Yesterday 17:55

Just in

10-8
F1 legend's son gets stuck behind a TRUCK leaving pitlane in bizarre incident
10-8
F1 Summer Break: Lewis and Kim unfiltered, Russell engaged and Leclercs dote on new arrival
10-8
Charles Leclerc fires F1 title fight warning and it's bad news for Lewis Hamilton
10-8
When George met Carmen: The chance blind date which led to F1's latest engagement
10-8
Lewis Hamilton and the shock Red Bull move that leaves F1 with regrets
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

F1 Summer Break: Lewis and Kim unfiltered, Russell engaged and Leclercs dote on new arrival F1 Summer Break

F1 Summer Break: Lewis and Kim unfiltered, Russell engaged and Leclercs dote on new arrival

3 hours ago
Charles Leclerc fires F1 title fight warning and it's bad news for Lewis Hamilton Ferrari

Charles Leclerc fires F1 title fight warning and it's bad news for Lewis Hamilton

Yesterday 20:58
When George met Carmen: The chance blind date which led to F1's latest engagement George Russell

When George met Carmen: The chance blind date which led to F1's latest engagement

Yesterday 19:30
Lewis Hamilton and the shock Red Bull move that leaves F1 with regrets Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton and the shock Red Bull move that leaves F1 with regrets

Yesterday 18:44
Ontdek het op Google Play
x