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In red from 2025? Lewis Hamilton

Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images

According to media reports, Formula 1 record world champion Lewis Hamilton is facing a sensational move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025. This was reported by, among others, the English specialist magazine “Autosport” and the British broadcaster BBC. According to Sky Sports, BBC and "Bild", Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff announced the personnel changes to the workforce at the headquarters in Brackley.

It is not yet clear whether a contract has already been signed, reported “Autosport”. However, the negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage and could be completed by the end of this week. Mercedes and Ferrari did not want to comment on this when asked by the German Press Agency.

Mercedes only extended the contracts with the two Brits Hamilton and teammate George Russell last August. From 2026, new engine regulations will apply in the premier class of motorsport.

Hamilton without a win since 2021

Under team boss Wolff, Hamilton became a consistent triumph for years. Coming to the 2013 season as the successor to Michael Schumacher after his final retirement, Hamilton became world champion with Mercedes in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. In 2016 he had to admit defeat to his then teammate Nico Rosberg. He won his first title with McLaren in 2008. Max Verstappen has been triumphing in the Red Bull since 2021.

There have been repeated speculations about Hamilton's possible move to Ferrari in recent years. Hamilton admitted last year that he had already imagined what it would be like to “drive in red.”

The crisis of the Silver Arrows in the past two years and the wait of Hamilton, who is used to success, for his first victory since December 2021 could have influenced his decision. However, since Kimi Räikkönen's triumph in 2007 - Hamilton's first year in Formula 1 - Ferrari has been waiting for the next title success among the drivers.

Who will follow Hamilton?

Ferrari announced a contract extension with Charles Leclerc last week, but the second cockpit for the 2025 season is still available. The Spaniard Carlos Sainz is only tied to the team from Maranello until the end of the year.

A change could also cause movement in the Formula 1 driver market; the vacant position at Mercedes next to George Russell would then be difficult to adequately fill: the other top drivers such as Verstappen and Lando Norris (McLaren) have long-term contracts with their teams. As things stand, Fernando Alonso would be available - at 42, the two-time world champion is the oldest pilot in the premier class.

ast/sid/dpa