Mercedes and Ferrari have not yet officially commented, but that is likely to change over the course of the evening. Just last August, Mercedes extended the contracts with the two Brits Hamilton and George Russell until the end of 2025, and there is speculation about an exit clause for the seven-time world champion after the upcoming season. While Monegasque Charles Leclerc’s contract with Ferrari has also been extended long-term, Spanish driver Carlos Sainz is all set to say goodbye, as ORF commentator Ernst Hausleitner was able to find out.
From 2026, new engine regulations will apply in the premier class of motorsport. Since Hamilton’s defeat on the last lap in the dramatic 2021 season finale, the Dutchman Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 with Red Bull. Hamilton, with the Silver Arrows since 2013, and Mercedes only drive in their shadow.
Assessment of a possible Hamilton change
Lewis Hamilton is set to move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025. An assessment by ORF Formula 1 commentator Ernst Hausleitner on the possible sensational change.
The Silver Arrows’ crisis and the grueling wait of someone who is used to success for the next (it would be the 104th) victory since December 2021 could have influenced Hamilton’s decision.
Always speculation
The appeal of Ferrari and rumors of a move to the most prestigious racing team in Formula 1 have accompanied Hamilton for years. Hamilton moderated these events quite gallantly, but also reported on his good relationship with Ferrari boss John Elkann and team boss Frederic Vasseur. Hamilton also admitted that he had already imagined what it would be like to “drive in red.”
It still seemed almost unimaginable that he could actually leave Mercedes. Under team boss Wolff, Hamilton, who also liked to talk about ending his career at Mercedes, became a constant triumphant for years. Coming into the 2013 season as Michael Schumacher’s successor after his final retirement, Hamilton became world champion in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. In 2016 he had to admit defeat to his then teammate Nico Rosberg. Since 2021, the title has gone to Verstappen.
At the same time, Wolff acknowledged Ferrari’s appeal years ago. “You have to recognize that every driver probably has the desire to drive for Ferrari one day,” said the Austrian in 2019. Ferrari is simply the iconic and historic brand in Formula 1, and now Hamilton also seems to have finally succumbed to it.
