Lewis Hamilton admits he is among those people that are surprised at Ferrari's decision to replace Kimi Raikkonen at the end of 2018.
After it emerged that former chairman Sergio Marchionne had signed a contract with Charles Leclerc for next season, the new bosses that replaced him after his sudden death in July had to decide whether to abide by it or compensate the Monegasque to delay his promotion for another year.
Following the Italian Grand Prix, however, it was decided to take the risk on the 20-year-old with the 'Iceman' immediately announcing he would head in the other direction back to Sauber.
“I don’t think Kimi is going to change in the last races," Hamilton said in Sochi, with Kimi himself suggesting he would racing for himself until Abu Dhabi.
“He is an extraordinary professional and a fantastic driver. He remains one of my favourite drivers, and I’m convinced that Ferrari is losing a very important driver.
“It does not make sense to me.”
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Given the perceived level of power that drivers such as Hamilton and Vettel have within their own teams, the question was put to the Briton as to whether he would have accepted a similar move at Mercedes.
“The trust is there between us. If [motorsport boss] Toto [Wolff] came up with a crazy idea we’d definitely discuss it. I’d say ‘Toto, are you sure?” he said.
