Lewis Hamilton could join Ferrari in 2024 despite reports claiming the deal for the seven-time World Champion would be from 2025.
Shockwaves reverberated through the world of Formula 1 as reports surfaced announcing that Lewis Hamilton would be departing Mercedes after eleven years to join Ferrari.
Hamilton is set to replace Carlos Sainz and join Charles Leclerc at the Italian team as Sainz's contract runs out at the end of the 2024 season, but Hamilton could replace the Spaniard as soon as this month according to sensational reports.
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A report from Gazetta Dello Sport in Italy states: "Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari. The prediction from Corriere della Sera has been confirmed: The seven-time world champion would arrive in Maranello in 2025, but it is not excluded that the coup could be brought forward even by a season. The official announcement could also arrive today."
The 2024 Formula 1 season gets underway on the 2nd of March, but pre-season testing begins on the 21st of February in Bahrain.
This would mean if the reports of a potential fast-tracked move are to be believed, Hamilton would be driving for Ferrari in just 20 days time.
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If Hamilton was to join the team a year early, it would leave Sainz without a seat for the upcoming season which would be disastrous for the Spaniard's career.
Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race last season so the prospect of him not even being on the grid may alarm F1 fans.
Despite Sainz's win in Singapore, it was never really in any doubt that he would be the one to make way for Hamilton rather than Charles Leclerc.
The prospect of Hamilton moving early does seem unlikely as it would mean Mercedes would have to instantly find a driver replacement.
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Considering Hamilton's 11 year loyalty to the team it would seem bizarre for the Brit to throw his current team under the bus, so Sainz place in the sport should be safe for now.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, Formula 1