It's goodbye Carlos Sainz as Lewis Hamilton signs with Ferrari

Shocking Formula 1 move!
Off to Maranello
Showing love
One-plus-one
Release clause
Since 2013
What does this mean for Ferrari?
What about Sainz and Leclerc?
Sainz is out
New options
Shocking Formula 1 move!

Lewis Hamilton sealed the deal in what might be the most sensational Formula 1 move of the decade! The legendary British driver is looking to fulfill his childhood dream and don the bright red Ferrari jumpsuit, despite having agreed to a previous contract extension to keep him at Mercedes for a couple more years.

Off to Maranello

"Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract," shared Ferrari in an official statement.

 

Showing love

Ferrari has been after Lewis Hamilton for a while now and has tried to sign the British driver multiple times with no success. The seven-time world champion felt Mercedes offered him a better route to success.

One-plus-one

Hamilton originally signed to remain at Mercedes for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, but "what was initially thought to be a two-year deal could instead be a one-plus-one arrangement with exit clauses at the end of the first term," according to Autosport.

Release clause

What does that mean for Hamilton and Mercedes? The British driver will have to race with the Brackley team this coming season but will have to commit to a Maranello move following his recent signing.

Since 2013

The veteran F1 driver has driven for the Silver Arrows since 2013 and has won six drivers and eight constructor championships. If the British driver chooses to move out, it would end a fruitful decade-long relationship between both parties.

What does this mean for Ferrari?

John Elkann, president at Ferrari has never hid his admiration for the multiple-time world champion, and has tempted Hamilton with deals in the past. This time it was the real deal! Hamilton is also close with Fred Vasseur, team director at Ferrari.

What about Sainz and Leclerc?

But what about Sainz and Leclerc, two young talents that were once described as two of the most promising F1 drivers?

Sainz is out

According to the Spanish publication Marca, Carlos Sainz will be dropped from the Italian racing team following Lewis Hamilton's arrival and is now in search of a new home. Ferrari has a good relationship with the Spanish driver but with Leclerc's recent contract extension, there was very little room for negotiation.

New options

Now that Hamilton will join Ferrari, Sainz will most likely find a seat at another world-class team. Red Bull? Aston Martin? Is there a possibility of a Fernando Alonso – Carlos Sainz duo? Tell us what you think!

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