Title: Ferrari's Market Cap Surges $7 Billion Amidst Lewis Hamilton's Shocking Move to Join the Maranello Squad

In a startling turn of events for Formula 1 fans worldwide, Lewis Hamilton is on the cusp of joining Ferrari in 2025, leaving Mercedes in a state of uncertainty. The news sent shockwaves through the racing community, and the repercussions were immediately felt in the financial markets. Ferrari's share price skyrocketed by over 10% on the New York Stock Exchange, reaching an all-time high.

Earlier reports from Motorsport.com indicated that Hamilton's monumental switch to Ferrari was imminent, and an official announcement could be made as early as Thursday. Mercedes staff were reportedly informed of this development during a factory meeting held at Brackley on Thursday afternoon, led by team boss Toto Wolff and technical director James Allison.

This unexpected move leaves Mercedes facing a challenging decision regarding Hamilton's replacement in the long term. Potential candidates like Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, both contracted elsewhere, further complicate the team's search for a suitable successor.

As the news broke, the impact on Ferrari's market value became evident, as the company's share price surged. Closing Wednesday's trading at $346.78, Ferrari witnessed a significant spike to $384.00 soon after the stock market opened on Thursday. Analysts predict that the share price will continue to climb throughout the day, potentially reaching even greater heights.

The resultant surge in Ferrari's market capitalization is a clear indication of the market's confidence in the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer's decision to pursue Hamilton. Market experts estimate Ferrari's market cap to be around $69.12 billion, a notable increase from its previous value of $62.4 billion at the close of trading on Wednesday. This $7 billion boost marks a remarkable milestone in Ferrari's history on the NYSE.

It is worth mentioning that Ferrari's current stock price is remarkably higher than its 12-month low of $252.17, underlining the positive sentiment surrounding the brand and its ability to attract top-tier talents like Hamilton.

The revelation that Hamilton activated an exit clause in his long-term contract with Mercedes, which initially covered the 2024 and 2025 racing seasons, adds further intrigue to this shocking development. His decision to replace Carlos Sainz, whose contract ends this year, has further cemented Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari.

Neither Ferrari nor Mercedes has issued an official statement regarding these developments, keeping fans and investors eagerly awaiting further details. The implications of Hamilton's move are profound, not only for the racing world but also for the financial landscape of Ferrari and Mercedes.

As Formula 1 continues to witness unexpected twists and turns, one can't help but marvel at the influence of drivers on the business side of the sport. With Ferrari's market cap surging amid Hamilton's impending arrival, the anticipation and speculation surrounding this move only grow.