Lewis Hamilton is set to make a sensational switch to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, with official confirmation expected to come as early as later today.
Hamilton has long been on the radar of the Italian outfit and has been linked to the team several times. This time, however, it’s believed that negotiations are in an advanced stage.
Carlos Sainz is expected to depart Ferrari at the conclusion of his contract at year’s end, while Charles Leclerc has recently re-signed a long-term agreement.
Sauber and Mercedes remain possible destinations for the Spaniard, with the Sainz family having strong links to Audi, who will partner Sauber from 2026.
After months of speculation, Hamilton extended his contract at Mercedes until the end of 2025 in August last year. As part of that deal, it’s believed he will be able to depart the team at the conclusion of the 2024 season, which now appears to be the case.
This year’s Formula 1 season will be Hamilton’s 18th with Mercedes backing, with the 39-year-old having begun his career at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes in 2007, with whom he won his first World Championship in 2008.
The switch to Mercedes-AMG came in 2013, and six more World Championships followed over a seven-season stint between 2014 and 2020.
In his 17 seasons, Hamilton has started 332 races, finishing on the podium a record 197 times, including 103 race wins.
His 2017 and 2018 titles came off the back of thrilling season-long battles with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
Difficult seasons have followed for the team since 2021, with that season’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix being the last race he won. He finished sixth in the 2022 Driver’s Championship and third in the 2023 edition, but a massive 341 points off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Mercedes and Ferrari have yet to officially announce the move, with confirmation expected over the coming days.
Header Image: Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team (Jiri Krenek)
