Lewis Hamilton could switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025 as replacement for Spanish driver Carlos Sainz in a shocking move, according to multiple media reports on Thursday.
However, Mercedes and Ferrari declined to comment on the speculation, according to Reuters.
The seven-time Formula One world champion’s departure would be formally announced by Mercedes principal Toto Wolff on Thursday, according to Sky Sports.
Hamilton, 39, has been with Mercedes since 2013 and won his first title with McLaren in 2008. His current contract is due to expire at the end of next year.
Hamilton, the driver with most F1 wins in history, had reportedly signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes last year but it seems that the second year was optional.
Hamilton, 39, has been linked with Ferrari multiple times in the past, but it looked as if his career will finish at Mercedes.
However, it now seems that Hamilton no longer believes that Mercedes has the ability to help him the win the eighth world title he desperately wants after the controversy of Abu Dhabi 2021.
Towards the close of last season, Hamilton has opened up about Mercedes' ability to recover from two difficult seasons and challenge Red Bull.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Hamilton had said: "I do believe we have a North Star now. Which I don't think we've had for two years. But still getting there is not a straight line. I think we understand the car so much better.
"They have developed great tools in the background. So naturally, I'm hopeful, but I'm not going to hold my breath."
