Alpine’s Pierre Gasly said he knew about Lewis Hamilton’s talks with Ferrari and the announcement of the Briton’s move from Mercedes to the Italian Formula One team for 2025 was not a surprise to him.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of the Renault-owned team’s 2024 car on Wednesday, Frenchman Gasly said it had been a well-kept secret. The move was announced last Thursday.
“I was aware of some talks with Ferrari. Ultimately he (Hamilton) is towards the end of his career, so it was either now or never,” said Gasly, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Wednesday. “I think it was kept secret for quite a long time. I wish him the best.”
Hamilton, 39, will replace Spaniard Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. Gasly and Leclerc are old friends and the pair are online gamers with Hamilton. In 2020, the Frenchman revealed in an ESPN podcast that he regularly exchanged messages and questions with Hamilton, seeking the Briton’s advice.