Ferrari driver confirms shock exit ahead of Lewis Hamilton arrival with replacement already lined up

A Ferrari driver has confirmed that he will be leaving the team imminently to pursue a career elsewhere and the Formula One side has reportedly already picked a shock replacement.

After a three week break, F1 returns to Las Vegas this weekend for the first of three back-to-back Grand Prix to see out the 2024 season.

Ahead of the race, Lewis Hamilton referred to the last three races of the season on social media as the end of a chapter in his career, ahead of his move to replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari next year.

And now, another major departure at Ferrari has been confirmed, with a driver announcing that he was parting ways with the Formula One team.

Robert Shwartzman, who has been a part of the Ferrari setup for several years, has never had the chance to show off his talents on track despite working as a reserve driver for the team.

And now, he has decided it is time to move on after confirming that he will instead race in IndyCar next season.

With Shwartzman set to leave, Ferrari will need to bring in a new reserve driver, and a report from The Mirror has confirmed that they are considering Arthur Leclerc, the brother of current driver Charles as an option.

However, Arthur isn't the only name in contention to take a reserve seat at Ferrari, with Antonio Giovinazzi and Zhou Guanyu also linked with a move to Ferrari.

Robert Shwartzman will leave Ferrari this season. (Image: Getty)

Confirming his departure on social media, Shwartzman wrote: "Driving for Scuderia Ferrari has been one of the best experiences in my life! I will never forget the feeling of driving a Scuderia Ferrari F1 car for the first time.

"I will always be grateful for every single lap, every experience and it has been such a privilege to work with some of the most talented and bright people in racing. I know my time with the team has shaped me into a better driver and I am ready to carry all the memories with me into my next adventure.

"Grazie mille to all the Tifosi who have always been so supportive over the years and last but not least to everyone in the team who has believed in me, encouraged me and helped me along this journey I am truly thankful. See you soon, and Forza Ferrari."