Negotiations are reportedly in advanced stages for a potential move by Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes-Benz to Ferrari, with the possibility of a contract being finalised by the end of this week.
UPDATE: After hours of speculation, it’s been confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari in 2025. Read the original story below.
Lewis Hamilton Ferrari deal reportedly in final stages
While it remains uncertain if a final agreement has been reached, sources suggest that Hamilton is considering the switch, per Motorsport.com.
Ferrari has long coveted the services of the seven-time Formula 1 champion, but previous attempts to secure his signature were rebuffed, as Hamilton believed Mercedes offered him a better path to success.
However, the dynamics appear to have shifted following two challenging seasons for Mercedes, making Ferrari a more appealing prospect for Hamilton.
In 2023, Hamilton signed a multi-year contract with Mercedes, covering 2024 and 2025. Yet, it now seems that the second season might have been an option. This implies that Hamilton could have an escape clause allowing him to join Ferrari in 2025.
Both Ferrari and Mercedes have chosen not to comment on the ongoing situation, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the potential blockbuster transfer.
What will happen to Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes-Benz?
If Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is confirmed, it could deal a significant blow to Mercedes, who engaged in extensive contract negotiations last year to secure his services.
Hamilton had expressed optimism in Mercedes’ ability to bounce back from their challenging 2022/2023 seasons and regain their competitive edge with a new car for the current campaign.
When asked last year if he ever doubted Mercedes’ ability to return to the front, Hamilton stated:
“No, not when we were doing negotiations. I do have faith that we will get there, we have been here before as a team, and while we have more and more new people, we still have great values, and I see great focus within everyone.”
He continued:
“I think for this year [2023], they thought the fundamentals were good, and we just have to go here and it’s not the case. That’s why I was frustrated in February, because they hadn’t made the changes I’d asked for. But with the changes we are making, I hope I was right.”
The exact reasons behind Hamilton’s potential change of heart regarding his commitment to Mercedes remain unclear, especially considering that he was expected to conclude his Formula 1 career with the team.
Mercedes’ early indications from the wind tunnel suggest positive progress with the new W15 car, and the team recently announced long-term contract extensions for team boss Toto Wolff and technical director James Allison.
When will the Formula 1 2024 calendar start?
As of 8 January 2024, Ferrari’s driver lineup for the upcoming F1 season consists of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
Ferrari faced a challenging season in 2023, finishing third in the championship and trailing Red Bull by a substantial 454 points.
Their struggles included excessive tyre wear and inconsistent race pace. However, Hamilton outperformed his teammate George Russell, despite Mercedes’ overall difficulties.
The Formula 1 2024 calendar comprises 24 races, commencing in Bahrain on 2 March 2024 and concluding in Abu Dhabi on 8 December 2024.