Mercedes had secret clause included in Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari transfer

Mercedes reportedly had a secret clause inserted in the deal that allowed Lewis Hamilton to move to Ferrari.

Ahead of the 2025 season, all eyes are fixated on Hamilton and Ferrari after the seven-time Formula 1 world champion's high-profile transfer.

From this year onwards, the Brit will partner Monegasque superstar Charles Leclerc in the famous Ferrari red.

Over the last few weeks, fans got their first glimpses of Hamilton in a Ferrari F1 car as the 40-year-old completed multiple test sessions for the team.

Prior to Hamilton's arrival at Maranello, there were talks over whether any Mercedes staff would follow the Brit to Italy. For example, race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington was heavily linked with a move to Ferrari after the Hamilton deal was announced.

However, the idea was swiftly denied after it was claimed that Mercedes inserted a secret clause into Hamilton's deal.

Lewis Hamilton has Mercedes clause in Ferrari deal

As reported by Planet F1 last year, there is a 'no-poaching' clause in Hamilton's Ferrari contract, which means that the seven-time world champion cannot approach any members of the Mercedes team while they are still under contract.

Planet F1 added that they have been informed by Mercedes that the presence of the clause is 'accurate'.

That would not stop Ferrari from signing any Mercedes personnel, though, as they would still have the option to negotiate their own departures with the Silver Arrows themselves or simply wait for the expiry of their contracts if applicable.

Lewis Hamilton made his Ferrari debut last month. Image: Getty

Reflecting on his first outing in a Ferrari F1 car, Hamilton said: "Driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life.

"When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car."

The 2025 F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.