Last season, before signing his Mercedes extension, Hamilton "laughed off suggestions of a move to the Italian team"Getty Images
F1 driver Lewis Hamilton is close to "completing a sensational switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025." Hamilton signed what was believed to be a two-year contract extension with Mercedes last year, but it "appears the second year of that now may well have been an option." Although not confirmed officially, sources said that the deal is "as good as done, with the move seeing Hamilton replace Spanish driver Carlos Sainz." Hamilton has been "frequently linked with Ferrari" throughout his career but "looked set to finish his career with Mercedes." Last season, before signing his Mercedes extension, Hamilton "laughed off suggestions of a move to the Italian team," but it appears as though negotiations have "picked up steam in the last few months." Ferrari has been "stalling" on a extension for Sainz, who now could now be an "outside bet for a return" to Red Bull in 2025 (ESPN.com, 2/1).
Hamilton is still in search of an eighth world title and it is "clear he no longer feels that will happen with Mercedes." At the start of last season he "complained about the car from the first race in Bahrain and said his concerns about the design of the car had not been listened to." When the move is confirmed it will be "one of the biggest shocks in F1," as Hamilton has "long spoken of his loyalty to Mercedes." It is "not clear yet who Mercedes will line up to race alongside George Russell" (London TIMES, 2/1).
