Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025
The multiple world champion makes a surprising move to Maranello, in one of Formula 1's biggest moves in many years.
In one of the biggest surprises in recent years, it was announced that Lewis Hamilton will join Scuderia Ferrari starting in 2025. The British world champion gets a deal packet of over $446 million which includes a multi-year contract, a joint-investment venture, and a brand ambassadorial role, which apparently, Hamilton was denied while at Mercedes.
Sources state that Hamilton informed Toto Wolff (Mercedes Director) via video call his move to Ferrari at the end of the upcoming 2024 season. The team at Brackley immediately summoned a conclave of the highest ranks to discuss it. Wolff attended the meeting remotely.
The news evidently shocked the team; they began plans to replace Hamilton although no concrete names are on the list. What is known is that there is an 'anti-poaching' clause on Hamilton's current contract which avoids Mercedes' talents to move to Ferrari. It is safe to say his race engineer will not be moving to Maranello.
Ripple effect
As mentioned earlier, the move shocked the motorsport world. Many drivers will be keen on halting renewals now that the Mercedes seat is open for 2025. One of the big names is that of Fernando Alonso, his contract with Aston Martin is currently being negotiated for an extension until the end of 2025.
This move makes sense if Mercedes want to trade name for name; both veteran drivers are world champions and proven to be competitive.
Vettel is another name on the list, but that will entail bringing him out of retirement, although Schumacher did something similar back in 2010, and incidentally, his return was to Mercedes. The German driver retired in 2006 and returned to the sport in 2010.
Other names like Albon or Sainz are rumored as well, but some of them might be using this situation to improve their current contracts. Mercedes also has the option of bringing young talent on board like Kimi Antonelli in Formula 2. This will 'promote' George Russell to a number 1 driver status and will lead the project.
What are your thoughts on Hamilton's move to Ferrari? Are you excited about the move? Let me know in the comments below.
