Pierre Gasly reveals Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari talks “kept secret” for “a long time”
Pierre Gasly was aware of Lewis Hamilton's talks with Ferrari - well before it was officially announced last week.
Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly has revealed he knew that Lewis Hamilton was in talks with Ferrari, claiming “it was kept secret for quite a long time”.
Hamilton’s bombshell switch to Ferrari from Mercedes for 2025 was announced last week.
There had been no prior warning or indication that Hamilton was about to make one of the biggest moves in F1 history.
Speaking at the launch of Alpine’s 2024 F1 car, Gasly made it clear that he was aware of Hamilton holding talks with Ferrari well before the official announcement.
"Obviously, he's been a long time with Mercedes, but I was aware of some talks with Ferrari," said Gasly.
"Ultimately, he's towards the end of his career. So it was either now or never.
"I think it was kept secret for quite a long time. I just wish him the best. Obviously, it's sort of exciting with the driver market, and all of you guys come with it, which is normal.
"But I think ultimately, for the sport, he is the most successful driver of all time joining a new project, a new challenge. I'm sure everybody will follow that very closely."
While Gasly acknowledged Hamilton’s arrival makes it a “trickier situation” for Carlos Sainz - who is without a drive at the end of 2024 - the Frenchman made the point that F1 isn’t “fair”.
"What's fair in F1, first of all? I think Carlos is a great driver. Lewis is a fantastic driver, the best of all time. So, on that side of things, I think there was an opportunity on both sides.
"I think Ferrari and Lewis took it together. Obviously, it leaves Carlos in a trickier situation. It's not easy."
