P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 legend Lewis Hamilton spent almost a full year with his current team Mercedes knowing he would soon be leaving for Ferrari.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has referenced Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 when discussing Gianpiero Lambiase’s hire from Red Bull for his own team. Lambiase’s departure from Red Bull has been confirmed in advance, similar to Hamilton’s situation, although Lambiase may not be able to start at McLaren until 2028. McLaren is pushing for Lambiase’s early release from Red Bull, hoping he can join the team sooner, possibly by the end of the current season. Brown emphasized the potential for an awkward atmosphere when an employee is known to be leaving for a rival team, citing the example of Mercedes holding meetings without Hamilton before his move to Ferrari. While no immediate personnel changes are expected, Brown acknowledged the need for a discussion about Lambiase’s transition at the appropriate time, aiming for a measured and smooth process.
