Lewis Hamilton is poised to depart Mercedes after the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season, making a move to Ferrari as the replacement for Carlos Sainz Jr.
Having transitioned from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, Lewis Hamilton is prepared to embark on a fresh phase of his Formula 1 journey in 2025
The unexpected shift to Ferrari raises eyebrows, especially considering he had committed to staying with Mercedes for an additional two years after signing an extension last summer. However, he utilized the release clause in his contract, enabling him to depart just one year into the extended deal, a decision made even before the commencement of the 2024 season.
Considering that a significant portion of the grid is in a contract year for the 2024 season, Hamilton’s decision is expected to trigger a chain reaction, leading to unexpected moves across the board. While the primary domino has fallen, it serves as the initial one, and attention has now shifted to Carlos Sainz Jr.
Hamilton’s decision confirms that the Spanish driver’s time with Ferrari will conclude by the end of 2024. However, Sainz is likely to have various opportunities for the 2025 season, and the landscape of his options may change as the season unfolds and more contracts are finalized.
Nevertheless, Sainz’s departure from Ferrari appears to be abrupt, given his commendable performance for the team in the past three seasons. The question arises: will he potentially join Mercedes as Hamilton’s successor in a driver swap, or is Sauber still the most probable destination for him, particularly with the anticipated Audi takeover in 2026?
