F1 News: Max Verstappen speculates over origin of major Lewis Hamilton leak

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Ferrari, 2019, generic — Photo: © IMAGO

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Verstappen speculates over origin of major Hamilton leak

The Dutchman has theorised that the shocking transfer was leaked

By Tyler Rowlinson.

Monday 19 February 2024 21:57

Max Verstappen has put forth a theory suggesting that Lewis Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari was leaked by one of the Maranello team's sponsors.

The sensational announcement of Hamilton's switch to the Italian team surprised the F1 community, generating excitement and questions about why the seven-time world champion's move was disclosed a year before its actual occurrence.

The defending world champion, and former rival, Verstappen shares that he is not as taken aback as others by the move and hints at a potential leak.

Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari in 2025

Max Verstappen found out about the move by one of Ferrari's sponsor's adverts

The Dutchman believes the move will make things 'awkward' for Mercedes this season

Verstappen theorises Hamilton Ferrari leak

It has been reported that Verstappen began to suspect Hamilton was joining Ferrari when their beer sponsor Peroni Nastro Azzurro – the non-alcoholic version – announced their partnership with the team with an advert that displayed a miniature red race car with the number 44 – Hamilton’s number.

The Dutchman has theorised this as the reason the news came so soon and he believes this season will be ‘awkward’ for Mercedes.

Speaking about the transfer at the launch of the RB20, Verstappen said: “Seeing him go to Ferrari . . . it’s not a surprise. If that’s your goal as a kid, or your dream, then you go, right?

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“I think it must have been leaked because to announce something that big that early in the season . . . I think for sure, for the rest of the year, I would say it’s a little bit awkward.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to Audi for 2026, but his immediate future in the sport currently looks uncertain.

Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes