Lewis Hamilton to Make Shock Move from Mercedes to Ferrari for 2025 Season, Sources Say
In a stunning turn of events, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, is set to make a surprising move from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Multiple sources have confirmed that a deal has been agreed upon for Hamilton to join Charles Leclerc at Maranello. While both Ferrari and Mercedes have declined to comment on the matter, it is believed that an official announcement could be made as early as Thursday evening.
The news of Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari first surfaced in the Italian and Spanish media on Thursday. However, unlike previous rumors of Hamilton joining the iconic team, this time, multiple sources have confirmed the validity of the reports. The deal is said to have come together quickly, with Ferrari initially negotiating a contract extension with Carlos Sainz, whose current deal expires at the end of this season. However, Ferrari president John Elkann became aware of the possibility of signing Hamilton and swiftly moved to secure his signature.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes, with whom he signed a new two-year contract just last summer, comes as a shock to many. The British driver has always expressed his desire to spend the rest of his career with Mercedes and has been involved in various projects with the team, particularly in promoting diversity and racial equality. However, the allure of driving for Ferrari, the most historic and evocative team in Formula 1, seems to have been too enticing for Hamilton to resist.
The move will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the world of Formula 1, much like when Hamilton chose to leave McLaren for Mercedes ahead of the 2013 season. At the time, many questioned his decision, but it turned out to be a stroke of genius as Hamilton and Mercedes went on to dominate the sport from 2014 onwards, making him the most successful driver in Formula 1 history.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will not only have implications for both teams but also for the driver market in Formula 1. Mercedes will now be on the lookout for a replacement for Hamilton, while Sainz will need to find a new team. However, the options for top drivers are limited, as Max Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2027, Leclerc is committed to Ferrari, and Lando Norris has recently signed a new deal with McLaren.
The reasons behind Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari can be traced back to the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton believes that he was denied an eighth world title due to the failure of race director Michael Masi to follow the rules correctly during a late-race safety car period. Since then, Hamilton has been fueled by a desire to seek justice and reclaim the championship that he feels was unjustly taken from him.
While Hamilton’s move to Ferrari may come as a surprise to many, it is a testament to his belief in the team’s potential and progress. Both Ferrari and Mercedes have faced challenges in recent years, particularly in their battles against Red Bull. However, Hamilton must see something in Ferrari’s development and performance towards the end of last season that has convinced him to make this bold move.
Only time will tell if Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari will prove to be another masterstroke or if he will ultimately regret his choice. Nonetheless, his move has undoubtedly shaken up the world of Formula 1 and set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable future in the sport.