Reports: Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari from Mercedes in 2025 season, expected to replace Carlos Sainz Jr.

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton is reportedly considering a surprising move from Mercedes to Ferrari next year, as indicated by reports on February 1.

According to Sky Sports News, Hamilton is expected to depart from Mercedes after the 2024 season and take the place of Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari. However, the report did not cite any sources.

Additionally, The Daily Mail also mentioned that the deal is likely to materialise. Meanwhile, motorsport.com reported that while negotiations are at an advanced stage, the deal has not yet been finalised and could be concluded this week.

As per The Associated Press, both Mercedes and Ferrari declined to comment on the possibility of Hamilton joining Ferrari.

The potential move would come as a surprise to many Formula One observers, given that the 39-year-old British driver signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes last summer, extending his contract until 2025. However, it remains uncertain whether the contract includes an escape clause.

In an interview with BBC Sport and other selected outlets at the season's final race in Abu Dhabi, he stated, "I do believe we now have a guiding North Star, which I don't believe we've had for the past two years. However, the journey to reach our destination is not a direct path."

"I think we understand the car so much better. They have developed great tools in the background. So naturally, I'm hopeful, but I'm not going to hold my breath."

Hamilton clinched six championships with Mercedes between 2014 and 2020 but narrowly missed out on the 2021 title to Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the final race of the season. He has not secured a race victory since 2021 and is currently on a record 103 wins.

If Hamilton were to move to Ferrari, he would likely replace Sainz, particularly since Sainz's teammate, Charles Leclerc, recently signed a multi-year contract extension.

The new F1 season begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix on February 28.

(Powered by AI, Inputs by AP)

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