Formula 1, a world of speed, glamor and ferocious rivalries, has just been shaken by a resounding news: Lewis Hamilton, the seven -time world champion, signed a faraminous contract of $ 1 billion with Mercedes for the 2026 to 2030 seasons. This announcement, made on the sidelines of the Imola 2025 Grand Prix, not only amazed the Paddock, but also sent a Paddock, Shock wave in Ferrari and his star pilot, Charles Leclerc. How did such a contract emerge, and why are we talking about a humiliation for Scuderia? Decryption of a dramatic stroke that redraws the future of F1.

At 40, Lewis Hamilton continues to challenge time and expectations. While many thought that his visit to Ferrari in 2025 would mark the peak of his career, the Briton surprised everyone by announcing his return to Mercedes, the team with which he won six of his seven world titles. The contract, estimated at a billion dollars over five years, includes not only an astronomical basic salary, but also premiums related to performance, commercial partnerships and a role of global ambassador for the brand after his retirement.

This colossal amount, never seen in the history of motorsport, reflects Hamilton’s influence beyond the circuits. With its 105 Grand Prix victories and its world aura, there remains a bankable icon, capable of attracting sponsors and fans. Toto Wolff, director of Mercedes, did not hide his enthusiasm: “Lewis is more than a pilot, it is a living legend. This contract shows our ambition to dominate F1 in the new era of engines 2026. ”

For Ferrari, this news is a real camouflet. After having convinced Hamilton to join Maranello in 2025 with a two -year contract, the Scuderia hoped to capitalize on its experience to reconnect with the world title, absent since 2008. Charles Leclerc, considered the future of Ferrari, had agreed to share the spotlight with Hamilton, despite internal tensions. But the premature departure of Hamilton, after only one season, leaves Ferrari in a delicate position.

According toMotorsport Italia, Hamilton would have been frustrated by the internal management of Ferrari, in particular erratic race strategies and a less competitive car than expected against McLaren and Red Bull in 2025. During the Miami Grand Prix, a strategic error had cost Hamilton a potential victory, relegating Leclerc in the background. These disagreements would have pushed Hamilton to negotiate in secret with Mercedes in the spring of 2025, a stab for Fred Vasseur, the director of Ferrari.

Leclerc, for his part, finds himself in an uncomfortable situation. Announced as the natural leader of Ferrari, he was overshadowed by the arrival of Hamilton, and his inability to establish himself as the number one driver fueled criticism. On social networks, the tifosi did not chew their words, accusing Leclerc of lacking charisma in the face of British legend. The signature of Hamilton at Mercedes, accompanied by a record contract, accentuates this perception of failure for Ferrari and his Monegasque prodigy.

This transfer is not only a matter of money, it is also a battle of ego and power. Hamilton, known for his strategic sense, orchestrated his return to Mercedes with surgical precision. Leaving Ferrari after a single season, he sends a clear message: he does not tolerate incompetence and prefers a team that shares his vision. This choice is per. [CU as an implicit criticism of Ferrari management, strengthening the image of a Scuderia plagued by internal struggles.

Red Bull and McLaren, the two dominant teams in 2025, observe this drama with a mixture of fun and prudence. Christian Horner, boss of Red Bull, quipped: “A billion for a 40 -year -old pilot? Mercedes must really believe in miracles. “Zak Brown, from McLaren, preferred to greet Hamilton:” Lewis remains a reference. If he thinks he can win with Mercedes, I wish him good luck. »»

This contract marks the start of a new era for Formula 1, which will see the introduction of new engines in 2026. Mercedes, thanks to massive investments in its power unit, seems confident in its ability to compete with Red Bull and McLaren. Hamilton, who will be 41 at the start of the 2026 season, will have to prove that he can still dominate in front of younger pilots like Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri or George Russell, his future teammate at Mercedes.

For Ferrari, the challenge is to bounce back quickly. Leclerc, under pressure, will have to assume its leading role and bring the Scuderia to the top. The appointment of a new technical director, scheduled for 2026, could also give a new breath to the Italian team.

By signing this historic contract, Lewis Hamilton is not content to secure his financial future: he reaffirms his essential figure status of Formula 1.. His return to Mercedes, after a tumultuous parenthesis at Ferrari, is a daring bet that could either devote his legend, or expose his limits to time. One thing is certain: by humiliating Ferrari and Leclerc, Hamilton proved that he remains the master of the game, on and outside the track. The 2026 season looks already explosive.