In a shocking twist after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has reportedly signed a billion-dollar contract to return to Mercedes, igniting a firestorm of accusations against Ferrari of deliberate sabotage. Sources within the paddock allege that Hamilton was strategically marginalized during the race, a move aimed at protecting his rival, Charles Leclerc. The fallout from Baku has not only reshaped team dynamics but has also raised questions about loyalty and fairness in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s abrupt exit from the Ferrari garage post-race, where he skipped media obligations, has been described as an act of betrayal. Allegations suggest that Ferrari’s engineers deliberately implemented a two-stop strategy for Hamilton, while Leclerc benefited from an optimal one-stop plan, leaving Hamilton struggling in traffic and ultimately finishing eighth. Whispers of political maneuvering within Ferrari’s ranks have intensified, pointing to team leadership as the orchestrators of this internal sabotage.
In the aftermath, Toto Wolff and Mercedes executives swiftly moved to secure Hamilton’s return, reportedly offering him not just a seat but significant control over the team’s future development. The contract, rumored to include performance bonuses and veto power over technical decisions, positions Hamilton as a central figure in Mercedes’ strategy for the 2026 season.
As the paddock reels from this explosive revelation, reactions are mixed. Leclerc is said to feel blindsided, while Hamilton’s return raises concerns about the integrity of driver development in F1. The implications of this power play extend beyond the track, potentially reshaping the landscape of the sport for years to come.
With Singapore looming, all eyes will be on how teams navigate this turbulent new reality. The stakes have never been higher, and the question remains: will the sport prioritize speed, or will it be overshadowed by the politics of betrayal? The engines roar, but the true battle may be fought in the shadows of the paddock.
