Hamilton – Ferrari: result of lengthy negotiations between John Elkann and F1 driver. Contacts between Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton for an F1 seat have been ongoing for months.

The British media has confirmed that contacts between Scuderia Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton for an F1 seat have been ongoing for months, leaving the driver market in turmoil. According to reports from England, the signing of the seven-time World Champion with Ferrari is not a bolt from the blue. The agreement would be the result of months of negotiations, known to many in the racing world.

The news of the century seems incredibly real. The announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s signature with Ferrari is imminent. The seven-time World Champion will join Maranello in 2025, but some even suggest an earlier arrival in 2024. The Formula 1 world has been shaken by what is, in effect, the most incredible market move in recent years.

According to Craig Slater, speaking on Sky Sports UK, it would not be a sudden development. The agreement would be the result of lengthy negotiations between John Elkann and Lewis Hamilton, which, however, seems to have materialized in these hours. A signature that leaves Mercedes searching for a replacement, explaining the haste of McLaren and Ferrari in securing Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.

Who could join Mercedes is challenging to say. The most “ready” young driver in Formula 1 is Frederik Vesti, the 2023 Formula 2 runner-up, but he does not seem to be the name Brackley might focus on. The choice could instead fall on Mick Schumacher, who has a clause that would allow him to free himself from commitments with Alpine in Endurance.

The speculation about Andrea Kimi Antonelli remains open: the Italian will debut in Formula 2 in 2024 and, if he proves to be an absolute standout, could be welcomed to Mercedes as early as 2025. A move reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton’s early steps in Formula 1 in 2007 when he debuted with the McLaren powered by Mercedes.

The name closest to Brackley is Alexander Albon, who had often been associated with Ferrari. The potential future of Carlos Sainz, however, remains to be defined, as the Spaniard is is still very close to Stake (read: Audi).

Source: f1ingenerale