In a surprising turn of events, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, has decided to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton, whose current contract with Mercedes was set to expire at the end of 2025, will activate a release clause to depart the team after the upcoming season.

Ferrari confirmed the news, announcing that Hamilton will be replacing Carlos Sainz as Charles Leclerc's teammate. This move comes after Hamilton's talks with Ferrari last year, although at that time, a contract was not offered by the Italian manufacturer.

Considered the most successful driver in F1 history, Hamilton's stats speak for themselves. With 103 wins and 104 pole positions, he holds the record for the most victories in the sport. The only other driver to have won seven world titles is Michael Schumacher, who won five of them with Ferrari, hinting at the potential for Hamilton to secure an eighth championship.

Hamilton's connection with Ferrari goes back to the beginning of his career in 2007 when he drove for McLaren. He won his first world championship with McLaren in 2008 before joining Mercedes in 2013. Since then, he has clinched six world titles with the team.

The move to Ferrari comes after a challenging period for Mercedes, as Red Bull gained the upper hand under the new 2022 regulations. Hamilton has struggled to secure victories since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and his winless streak continued in 2023.

While the news of Hamilton's move to Ferrari has caused a stir, it leaves Mercedes in a precarious position as they lose one of the greatest drivers of all time. Additionally, Sainz, who was the only non-Red Bull race winner last year, is now without a drive for the 2025 season.

As for Hamilton's replacements, speculation arises about who Mercedes might consider. Sky Sports News' Craig Slater suggests that George Russell, Hamilton's current teammate, could become the team's number one driver. Other potential candidates mentioned include Frederik Vesti, Mercedes' junior driver, or Mick Schumacher, who serves as their reserve driver.

The 2024 season is fast approaching, with the Bahrain Grand Prix set to kick-start the action from February 29 to March 2. As fans eagerly await the thrilling battles of the upcoming season, the focus has shifted to Hamilton's impending switch to Ferrari, marking one of the biggest moves in Formula 1 history.

Formal confirmation and further details regarding Hamilton's contract with Ferrari are expected to be announced later. As the countdown begins to the next season, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he embarks on a new chapter with the iconic Italian racing team.