close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Ecclestone reveals cash shortfall deal in Hamilton Mercedes switch

Ecclestone reveals cash shortfall deal in Hamilton Mercedes switch

Ecclestone reveals cash shortfall deal in Hamilton Mercedes switch

Ecclestone reveals cash shortfall deal in Hamilton Mercedes switch

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed the part he played in securing Lewis Hamilton what has proven to be a career-defining move to Mercedes.

Hamilton joined the Silver Arrows in 2013 and has since claimed an additional six F1 championship titles to add to the 2008 crown he secured with McLaren.

Although it was ultimately Niki Lauda that convinced the Briton to make the switch from McLaren to Mercedes, a financial barrier threatened to derail the move.

Speaking on the Discovery+ documentary series 'Lucky!', Ecclestone revealed how he stepped into the breach to ensure a move was completed - even if his help was ultimately not required.

"Niki realised what a valuable driver Lewis was, and he found some way of persuading him that he should be driving for Mercedes," said Ecclestone.

"If he [Hamilton] didn't get paid what he wanted, he wasn't going to agree [to race for them].

"I said 'He's somebody that Mercedes needs, so I'll pay the difference' - but eventually Mercedes paid."

The move naturally paid off with stunning results, with Hamilton claiming 82 wins to date with Mercedes, in addition to the six championships, as well as assisting the team to a record-breaking eight consecutive constructors' titles.

Related

Mercedes boss planning to end Verstappen speculation with contract offer
F1 News & Gossip

Mercedes boss planning to end Verstappen speculation with contract offer

  • March 28, 2025 21:59
Mercedes left red faced after Lewis Hamilton blunder
Mercedes

Mercedes left red faced after Lewis Hamilton blunder

  • March 23, 2025 10:57

Latest News

Japanese Grand Prix

FIA summon Tsunoda's Red Bull in Japanese GP procedure

  • 11 minutes ago
Max Verstappen

Verstappen doubles down on Red Bull 'bullying' criticism

  • 52 minutes ago
Latest F1 News

Hamilton FINALLY issues statement on Ferrari disqualification

  • 1 hour ago
Japanese Grand Prix

F1 Practice Today: Japanese Grand Prix 2025 start times, schedule, TV channel and live stream

  • 2 hours ago
Ferrari

FIA confirm MORE Hamilton and Ferrari inspections after Chinese GP fallout

  • 3 hours ago
Japanese Grand Prix

F1's youngest race winners: How Antonelli can break Verstappen's record

  • 3 hours ago
More news

F1 Race Calendar 2025

Complete kalender 2025

Related news

More news

F1 Standings

Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Ontdek het op Google Play
x