In a shocking turn of events, Lewis Hamilton is set to join the Ferrari team in 2025, replacing Carlos Sainz.
This unexpected move comes as Hamilton activated an exit clause in his two-year Mercedes deal, which was signed just last August.
The announcement has sent ripples through the Formula 1 world, with many caught off guard by the decision.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari will create a fascinating partnership alongside Charles Leclerc, the star academy graduate and poster boy for Ferrari’s quest for a championship.
Leclerc had recently signed a new contract with Ferrari, and the prospect of pairing him with the seven-time World Champion and F1 icon Hamilton adds an intriguing dynamic to the team.
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If Hamilton doesn’t secure the F1 2024 title with Mercedes, he will be aiming to clinch his record-breaking eighth championship with Ferrari in 2025.
Initial reports from the Italian press suggested that Leclerc was aware of the talks with Hamilton and even welcomed the opportunity to compete against Formula 1’s most successful driver.
However, a different narrative has emerged, as Corriere dello Sport reported that Leclerc and his management were “shocked and disappointed by Ferrari’s decision.”
When Leclerc signed his contract extension with an unspecified expiration date, he and his team had no inkling of the impending change.
Despite their apparent dismay, Leclerc and his management have chosen to remain tight-lipped about the situation, possibly to avoid showing any perceived weakness.
Meanwhile, Hamilton took to social media to shed light on his unexpected decision to swap Mercedes for Ferrari, citing his childhood dream of racing for the iconic Scuderia.
In his statement, Hamilton expressed his gratitude for his 11 incredible years with Mercedes and the opportunity to achieve remarkable accomplishments.
He emphasized that joining Ferrari in 2025 allows him to fulfill another childhood dream of racing in the legendary Ferrari red.
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While the Formula 1 community grapples with this unexpected development, Mercedes’ focus has yet to shift towards identifying a replacement for Hamilton.
The team, under the leadership of Toto Wolff, has not ruled out considering drivers ranging from rookies to experienced F1 stars, keeping their options open for the future.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari promises to be one of the most exciting developments in Formula 1, setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 season.