Ferrari offer Lewis Hamilton 'honour' only Michael Schumacher has ever received amid claims he could leave before deal begins

Ferrari have reportedly offered Lewis Hamilton an honour that only Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher has previously received.

In February, the world of F1 was shaken to its core when it was confirmed that seven-time world champion Hamilton would leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season.

The 39-year-old will link up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari for the 2025 campaign.

Speaking at the time, Hamilton said: "I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together.

"Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It's a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right now for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge."

With the 2024 season edging ever to a close, it has been claimed that Hamilton will be offered an honour Ferrari have only ever given to Schumacher.

As reported by Sky Sports' Marco Vanzini, via The Sports Rush, Hamilton will be offered the chance to stay at Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari's old house in Maranello.

It was then suggested that Schumacher was the only driver who has had the same offer.

Along with Hamilton, Schumacher is also often regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time having won seven world titles during his illustrious career.

Despite winning two races, Hamilton has had yet another disappointing season at Mercedes as he currently sits seventh in the F1 standings, two points behind teammate George Russell.

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Speaking about of his Mercedes exit in Matt Whyman's new book titled 'Inside Mercedes F1', Hamilton said, as per The Mirror: "I feel like I am ending a relationship that is perfectly fine. We are still in love. I have not lost faith in the team, I am just leaving for myself. It has been a childhood dream - I think it is probably the same for every kid who loves motorsport, you know? Driving the red car.

"The fact is I am moving towards the end of my career, I have only got a few years left and so I started thinking how I would feel looking back on it all. I asked myself if I would be truly happy if I just stayed with the team rather than experiencing something different."

F1 will return next weekend with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with the race taking place on November 24.