Lewis Hamilton 'set to join Ferrari' as F1 legend's secret Mercedes contract clause revealed

Lewis Hamilton could be set for a shock move to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, it has been reported.

The last two seasons have been tough for Hamilton as Mercedes continued to struggle with the new Formula 1 regulations.

In 2022, Hamilton failed to win a race in a season for the first time in his entire career.

That trend continued in 2023 as rival Max Verstappen eased to his third successive F1 world title.

Despite signing a new deal with Mercedes back in August 2023, Hamilton’s future has now been thrown up in the air.

According to Motorsport.com, seven-time world champion Hamilton could leave Mercedes next season.

The report stated that although it is unclear if a contract has been signed, negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage.

Hamilton signed a new deal to drive for Mercedes for 2024 and 2025 but it has been claimed that there is an escape clause in his contract.

Speaking after signing his new deal, Hamilton said: “We dream every day of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal.

“Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work and dedication and it’s been an honour to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team.”

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He added: “We have never been hungrier to win. We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again.

“I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do.”

The 2024 F1 season will begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix in March.