Lewis Hamilton ‘in advanced talks’ to join Ferrari as shock clause in Mercedes star’s contract emerges
LEWIS HAMILTON is nearing a sensational move to Ferrari for the 2025 season, according to reports.
The Mercedes star is under contract through to the end of next year, but could use a shock contract clause to move to the Prancing Horse for 2025.
AlamyLewis Hamilton is reportedly nearing a sensational Mercedes departure[/caption]
GettyHamilton, 39, won the most recent of his seven world titles in 2020[/caption]
SplashThe Brit joined Toto Wolff’s team from McLaren in 2013[/caption]
Hamilton, 39, has not won a race since 2021 amid the Silver Arrows’ struggles to build a competitive car.
According to Autosport, the seven-time world champion is in “advanced talks” with Ferrari over a shock switch.
The Brit joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 and has won six of his world titles with Toto Wolff and Co.
Ferrari have always admired Hamilton but have previously found him to be unattainable given Mercedes’ prior success.
Hamilton signed a two-year, £100million extension during the 2023 season, taking him to the end of 2025.
It’s now claimed that the contract could have an escape clause at the end of the 2024 campaign, which would open the door to a move to Ferrari.
With Hamilton unable to move any earlier, the potential switch could lead to an awkward final season with Mercedes.
The report adds that he could conclude a move to Ferrari by the end of this week.
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Neither Ferrari or Mercedes have both so far declined to comment.
Upon signing his new deal last summer, Hamilton said: “We have never been hungrier to win. We have learnt from every success but also every setback.
“We continue to chase our dreams; we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again. I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track.
“Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do.”
Earlier this week, Hamilton admitted to having a “love-hate” relationship with Formula 1 and even hinted that he could retire in the next 12 months.
Addressing his previous assertion several years ago that he would not still be in the sport at 40, he told Formule1.nl : “That is still possible.
“I have no set plan for the future – I still feel fit and still enjoy what I do.
“I’ve now learned that you should never say never in life.
“I never thought that, after such a long time in Formula One, I would still feel the same love for the sport.
“It is a love-hate relationship – at times you love it more than at others.
“I think there comes a point when you’ve had enough. But the love is still there.”
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