Michael Schumacher, the first 7X champion, after a dominant stint with Ferrari, joined Mercedes to conclude his F1 career. Lewis Hamilton, also a 7X champion is rumored to do the exact opposite of what Schumacher did as he looks set to join Ferrari ahead for the 2025 season. Last season, even a $49 million contract wasn’t enough to lure the Brit, but it appears Ferrari finally has their man.

Sky Sports F1’s Instagram account confirmed that Lewis Hamilton has officially signed with Ferrari for the 2025 season. Despite winning six titles with Mercedes during the turbo hybrid era, Hamilton hasn’t been a World Champion since 2020. Red Bull has been the dominant team with Max Verstappen stacking up championship victories.

Sky Sports suggests that the Mercedes employees at Brackley will be made aware of the same before the official announcement is made. Sources also suggest that a meeting was called at Mercedes at 2:00 PM GMT, which included James Allison and Toto Wolff. The team was advised of Lewis Hamilton’s departure from the team during the same.

Meanwhile, Spanish Journalist Antonio Lobato also explained that Hamilton has already signed the contract. He tweeted, “I don’t usually comment on rumors, but this is more than just a rumor. From what I have learned, the chances of Lewis Hamilton wearing Ferrari red in 2025 are very high, in fact I do not rule out that he is already signed. Lewis has a contract until the end of 2025, but with an option to leave in 2024. The maneuver has caught Mercedes off guard, while Carlos Sainz expected it. “

Read More: F1 Rumors: Ferrari Swallows Its Pride to Forget Lewis Hamilton’s $49M Rejection With Fresh Contract Offer

He continued, “This year is going to be difficult for Carlos at Ferrari, but his options for 2025 are several: A year of waiting at Sauber until it becomes Audi in 2026 or even a possible negotiation with Mercedes to take Hamilton’s place.”

Hamilton signed a new two-year Mercedes deal in August, which would extend his period with the team to 13 years. Hamilton started his F1 career with McLaren in 2007 and lasted with the team till 2012, winning one championship during that time. He then moved to Mercedes in 2013 and has been associated with them ever since raking up a further six titles. But the driver, driven by his hunger to win an eighth championship, appears to be on the move.

Ferrari has not won a driver’s title since Kimi Raikkonen did it in 2007. Hamilton could now have the chance to end the Ferrari drought and move clear as F1’s most decorated champion in the process. If he manages to win a championship with his reported new team, Hamilton will become the first driver to win championships with three teams since Juan Manuel Fangio in 1957.

With Charles Leclerc reportedly signing a new long-term deal and Hamilton coming in, Carlos Sainz could be on his way out.

Carlos Sainz’s future hangs in the balance as Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari

Charles Leclerc reportedly signed a new contract with Ferrari that will keep him with Scuderia till 2029. However, there was no news about Carlos Sainz‘s contract. It was rumored that there was a performance clause in Sainz’s contract for him to perform in 2024 and only then will he be given a new contract. But after Lewis Hamilton’s contract announcement, Sainz’s future at Ferrari is far from certain.

Carlos Sainz has previously been rumored to join Audi as they venture into the F1 world. But with Sergio Perez’s time at Red Bull seeming short-sighted, a potential move to partner Max Verstappen is also up for taking. A driver market that seemingly seemed stable after Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc’s contract extension has once again been shaken up after Hamilton’s seismic move.

Watch this Story: Charles Leclerc’s Hopeful Mission: Reviving Ferrari Despite Massive Gap!

What do you think of Lewis Hamilton’s move? Will he win the eighth title at Ferrari?