Danica Patrick ‘s Odd Statement circulating in the F1 paddock about Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari sponsorships before joining team
Lewis Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari is surely the biggest driver transfer in F1 history. It unites the sport’s most decorated driver with its most successful team.
Between them, Hamilton and Ferrari have won 22 drivers’ championships. Kimi Raikkonen was the last driver to win a title in scarlet red, ironically beating Hamilton by a single point back in 2007.
Fred Vasseur will see the British driver as the man who can end what will be at least an 18-year drought. Hamilton, for his part, is aiming for an unprecedented eighth title at Maranello.
While he’s tied with Michael Schumacher at present – Schumacher won five of his seven with Ferrari – Hamilton has the edge because of his superior race-win tally.
The 39-year-old’s victory at the Belgian GP, inherited following George Russell’s disqualification, was the 105th of his career. Ferrari have racked up 246 since their 1950 debut, 58 more than nearest challengers McLaren.
Even before a wheel is turned, it promises to bring historic commercial benefits for all parties. In that sense, it’s a dream move for Liberty Media as much as it is for Hamilton and Ferrari.
How Lewis Hamilton could sponsor himself at Ferrari
Hamilton is bound to bring new sponsors to Ferrari. Mercedes are splitting with Tommy Hilfiger, who have released a clothing collection in partnership with the superstar driver, so there may be an opportunity there.
He also owns non-alcoholic tequila brand called Almave. Last month, Pernod Ricard, one of the largest wine and spirits companies on the planet, bought into the company.
Now, according to F1 journalist Joe Saward, Ferrari could strike a partnership with Almave. Their alliance with Pernod Ricard will upgrade both their distribution and marketing.
As Saward points out, this raises the ‘odd’ possibility that Hamilton will sponsor himself. It’s worth noting that, at this stage, this is simply a ‘rumour’ spreading through the paddock.
