Formula 1, a world of speed, glamor, and fierce rivalries, has just been shaken by sensational news: Hepthacmed World Champion Lewis Hamilton signed a one billion contract with Mercedes for the 2026 to 2030 seasons. The announcement, made behind the scenes of the Great Award of 2025, not only surprised the Paddock but also shocked Ferrari and its pilot and its pilot. STAR, Charles Leclerc. How did such a contract come about and why is it being called humiliation to Scuderia? Deciphering a dramatic turnaround that is redesigning the future of F1.
At 40, Lewis Hamilton continues to challenge time and expectations. While many thought that his move to Ferrari in 2025 would mark the peak of his career, the British surprised everyone by announcing his return to Mercedes, a team with which he won six of his seven world titles. The contract, estimated at $ 1 billion over five years, includes not only an astronomical base salary, but also performance-based bonuses, business partnerships and a function as a global brand ambassador after their retirement.
This colossal amount, never before seen in the history of motorsport, reflects Hamilton’s influence beyond circuits. With its 105 wins in big awards and its global aura, it remains a lucrative icon, capable of attracting sponsors and fans. Mercedes head, Toto Wolff, did not hide his enthusiasm: “Lewis is more than a pilot, he is a living legend. This contract demonstrates our ambition to dominate F1 in the new age of 2026 engines.”
For Ferrari, this news is a real slap in the face. After convincing Hamilton to join Maranello in 2025 with a two -year contract, Scuderia expected to capitalize on his experience to regain the world title, which had not won since 2008. Charles Leclerc, considered Ferrari’s future, agreed to share the spotlight with Hamilton despite the internal tensions. But Hamilton’s premature output after just one season leaves Ferrari in a difficult position.
According too Motorsport Italia, Hamilton would have been frustrated with Ferrari’s internal management, including erratic running strategies and a less competitive car than expected against McLaren and Red Bull in 2025. At the Miami Grand Prix, a strategic error cost Hamilton a potential victory, relegating Leclerc to the background. These disagreements have been said to have led Hamilton to negotiate with Mercedes already in the spring of 2025, a blow to Fred Vassur, Ferrari’s director.
Leclerc, in turn, is in an uncomfortable situation. Acclaimed as Ferrari’s natural leader, he was overshadowed by Hamilton’s arrival, and his inability to establish himself as the number one pilot generated criticism. On social networks, fans did not measure words, accusing Leclerc of not having charisma compared to British legend. Hamilton’s signature with Mercedes, along with a record contract, accentuates this perception of Ferrari’s failure and his Monegasque prodigy.
This transfer is not just 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 accuracy. As I left Ferrari after just one season, he sent a clear message: he does not tolerate incompetence and prefers a team that shares his vision. This choice is perceived as an implicit critique of Ferrari’s management, reinforcing the image of a scuderia tormented by internal conflicts.
Red Bull and McLaren, the two dominant teams in 2025, are watching this drama with a mixture of fun and caution. Red Bull chief Christian Horner joked, “One billion for a 40 -year -old? Mercedes should really believe in miracles.” McLaren’s Zak Brown preferred to greet Hamilton: “Lewis remains a reference. If he thinks he can win with Mercedes, I wish you luck.”
This contract marks the beginning of a new era for Formula 1, which will see the introduction of new engines in 2026. Mercedes, thanks to large investments in its power unit, seems confident in its ability to compete with Red Bull and McLaren. Hamilton, who will be 41 at the beginning of the 2026 season, will have to prove that he can still dominate younger pilots like Lando Norris, Oscar Piostri and George Russell, his future teammate at Mercedes.
For Ferrari, the challenge is to recover quickly. Leclerc, under pressure, will have to assume his role as leader and take Scuderia back to the top. The appointment of a new technical director, planned for 2026, can also give a new breath to the Italian team.
By signing this historical contract, Lewis Hamilton is not just guaranteeing his financial future: he is reaffirming his status as a key figure in Formula 1. His return to Mercedes, after a period tumultuous in Ferrari, is a bold bet that can consolidate his legend or expose his limitations over time. One thing is certain: in humiliating Ferrari and Leclerc, Hamilton proved that he remains the master of the game, inside and off the track. The 2026 season is already setting up as explosive.
