Lewis Hamilton set to leave Mercedes for sensational switch to Ferrari
Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes after 12 years with the team and make a sensational switch to Ferrari.
Hamilton has agreed to join the iconic Italian team next year when he has the option to exit his £50m-a-year contract with Mercedes, according to multiple reports.
The 39-year-old has won six of his world championships with Mercedes but has been left trailing by Max Verstappen and Red Bull in the last two seasons.
A move to Ferrari promises to unite F1’s most successful driver – and famous face – with the most celebrated marque in motorsport.
The move is expected to be confirmed on Thursday and comes just four weeks before the start of the 2024 season.
Hamilton is likely to replace Carlos Sainz Jr, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and race alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
Mercedes face having to replace the man who has been the mainstay of their team for more than a decade and find a partner for George Russell.
Hamilton shares the all-time record of seven F1 titles with Michael Schumacher but has more race wins than any other driver, with 103.
Ferrari will hope the signing can bring them a first drivers’ championship since 2007, when Kimi Raikkonen won his solitary title.