Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater has shared the latest information he’s heard about Lewis Hamilton’s monumental proposed move to Ferrari for 2025.
The Formula 1 driver market has been sent into meltdown on Thursday as the seven-time world champion looks set to switch Mercedes for F1’s most successful team.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News, Craig Slater shared what he heard about what would be the biggest transfer in recent Formula 1 history.
The start of the season is still a month away but already Formula 1 is taking centre stage in the sporting world.
Haas are due to be the first team to announce their new car tomorrow but that is likely to be overshadowed by what’s going on further up the grid.
After confirming Charles Leclerc on a multi-year deal, he looks set to be joined by Lewis Hamilton going forward.
The 39-year-old has only moved once in his career, making the inspired choice to switch to Mercedes from McLaren.
Sky reporter Craig Slater suggests we’re not far away from hearing about the second move of Lewis Hamilton’s time in F1 as he heads to Mercedes.
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It’s going to take some getting used to seeing the Brit wearing the famous red overall.
Sky Sports provide live update on Hamilton’s move to Ferrari
Asked about the seven-time world champion’s future, Slater said: “We have heard nothing officially, only no comment from both Ferrari and Mercedes, I’ve been in touch with both teams via official channels today.
“But, multiple senior sources within Formula 1 have explained to me that this is a done deal already and we’re talking about team principals here who I’ve dealt with directly and other senior leadership figures from within the sport.
“I’m absolutely confident this is going ahead. What I also know is that Mercedes staff have been summoned to a meeting in Brackley at 2:00 pm this afternoon where I understand they will be informed that Lewis Hamilton will be leaving them at the end of this season and joining Ferrari for the 2025 season.
“So, the expectation is we’ll get some kind of official announcement by the end of play today, that’s what I’m waiting on.
“Surely the expectation is Lewis Hamilton is not only going to do one year at Ferrari, so he’s almost certainly agreed to one plus an option on a further year which would take us into 2026.
“New engine regulations come in then, this is the gamble aspect.
“My understanding is that this courtship has been going on for some months, it’s not a sudden thing and John Elkann the chairman, very much at the centre of it and the driving force of bringing him to Ferrari.”
Hamilton to Ferrari could set off a domino effect in F1
The update from Sky Sports on Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari could spark several other teams on the grid to act to secure their driver’s futures.
The question will be where does Carlos Sainz end up and how is he going to react this season knowing he’s been replaced by his current team.
Mercedes also has a big call to make to decide who will partner George Russell going forward.
It could also see the 26-year-old be given preferential treatment by the team this year knowing he’s got a long-term future at Mercedes.
Teams further down the grid will be working tirelessly now to see what opportunities arise as a result of his move.
One of them is going to have the benefit of picking up a very quick Spaniard with something to prove in 2025.
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