Lewis Hamilton LIVE: F1 star explains Ferrari move for 2025 and latest news

Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes after more than a decade with the Formula One team, after official confirmation he has agreed a move to Ferrari for 2025.

With the new campaign only three weeks away it marks a shocking way to start F1 in 2024, while also sparking what could be a long period of speculation over who would take Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes.

It’s over two years since the Brit has won an F1 race as the Silver Arrows have struggled to keep pace with Red Bull’s designs and drivers. During the close season he has moved to bring Marc Hynes back into his support team for the new campaign, while Ferrari have themselves appointed another Brit, Ollie Bearman, as their reserve driver for the year.

Follow all the latest news and updates regarding Lewis Hamilton’s future in our live blog below:

Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari LIVE

• Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton officially makes Ferrari switch for 2025 season

• George Russell reacts to Hamilton’s shock Mercedes departure

• Charles Leclerc extended Ferrari deal last week

• Carlos Sainz to leave the Scuderia after 2024 season

• Here are seven contenders who could replace Hamilton at Mercedes

• Serious money needed to pry Lando Norris from McLaren due to driver’s new deal

• Kieran Jackson: Hamilton lost patience with Mercedes – his Ferrari gamble makes sense

Carlos Sainz responds after being dropped by Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton next year

16:33 , Kieran Jackson

Carlos Sainz insists he will “give his absolute best” this year after being dropped by Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

The shock news on Thursday sees seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton leave Mercedes after 11 years in which he won six world titles.

Hamilton, 39, has exercised a release clause in his two-year contract to leave the Silver Arrows and take up a “multi-year contract” with the Scuderia.

It leaves Sainz, who claimed Ferrari’s only victory last year in Singapore, somewhat in the lurch and without a drive for 2025.y

The Spaniard said in a brief statement on Twitter/X: “Following today’s news, Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024.

“We still have a long season ahead of us and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and for the tifosi all around the world. News about my future will be announced in due course.”

Carlos Sainz responds after being dropped by Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton next year

Lewis Hamilton to bank $100m per season at Ferrari

16:15 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton could earn up to $100m per year from 2025 with new team Ferrari.

Formu1a.uno journalist Giuliano Duchessa reports the Briton could earn a huge pay rise from his current terms with Mercedes.

John Elkann’s relationship with Hamilton was decisive but Hamilton reportedly was convinced by technical guarantees for the future from the Scuderia.

The Ferrari engine in 2026, being created in Maranello was critical, with Elkann and Frederic Vasseur making guarantees over the technical aspects.

George Russell reacts to Lewis Hamilton departure

16:05 , Jack Rathborn

Toto Wolff has no doubts over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of Ferrari switch

15:55 , Jack Rathborn

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has no concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of the seven-time world champion’s drawn out move to Ferrari.

Hamilton is entering the first year of a new two-year deal with Mercedes worth £100million, but shocked the world of Formula One by activating a release clause in the agreement to join Ferrari from 2025.

Wolff insisted he would not hold a grudge against Hamilton after the 39-year-old broke the news over breakfast at Wolff’s home in Oxford on Wednesday, and also has no concerns about the Briton sharing sensitive information with his future team.

Toto Wolff has no doubts over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of Ferrari switch

‘It’s like Cristiano Ronaldo joining Juventus!’ Italian media react to Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move

15:41 , Jack Rathborn

Italian media outlets have compared Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari to when Cristiano Ronaldo moved from Real Madrid to Juventus in 2018.

Hamilton has made the shock decision to join the iconic Italian team next year, leaving Mercedes after this year’s F1 season following 12 years and six world titles at the Silver Arrows.

The story broke in the Italian press early on Thursday morning and the excitement is palpable, with comparisons to Ronaldo’s £88m deal to join Juve six years ago.

‘It’s like Ronaldo joining Juventus!’ Italian media react to Hamilton’s Ferrari move

Petronas plots F1 return for Malaysian Grand Prix in 2026

15:00 , Kieran Jackson

Malaysia‘s state oil company Petroliam Nasional, or Petronas, is looking to bring back Formula One races to Malaysia in 2026, after a nine-year hiatus, according to three sources with knowledge of the matter.

Malaysia hosted a leg of the F1 world championship at its Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from 1999 but staged its last race in 2017, due to declining ticket sales and the rising costs of hosting the event.

Petronas, Malaysia’s only Fortune 500 company, won naming rights to the SIC for three years in October last year. The circuit continues to host MotoGP races and other motorsport events.

F1 could return to Malaysia in 2026 after Petronas plan revealed

More from Toto:

14:01 , Kieran Jackson

On Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur:

I have great respect for Fred, not only as a racing manager but as a long time friend. But when he took the role at Ferrari it’s clear he needed to do the best for them and take every opportunity in order to do that. So there’s no bad feeling towards Fred, trying to get the best employees.

It’s a cut throat environment. We’ve spoken numerous times. We’ve coordinated on our communications and I speak to him multiple times every week. You know, it’s a little bit like rugby, we punch each other on the nose, but we’re able to get off the pitch and have a respectful relationship.

As for Lewis, clearly the timing was surprising to us. But I guess what he tried to do is maybe give us a long time to decide what we want to do going forward to next year. I’ve no doubt that Fred will be able to have a very good relationship with Lewis as his boss. No doubt about that. They’ve known each other for 20 years.

Toto Wolff hints at Mercedes direction in replacing Lewis Hamilton after Ferrari exit

13:41 , Kieran Jackson

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hinted that the team will make a “bold” move to replace Lewis Hamilton after their star driver chose to join Ferrari next year.

Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton, who won six of his seven titles at Mercedes, will leave the Silver Arrows at the end of the year to take up a “multi-year contract” at Ferrari in 2025.

It leaves Wolff, who has worked with Hamilton for the last 11 years, needing to find a new driver to partner George Russell next year.

Toto Wolff hints at Mercedes direction in replacing Lewis Hamilton after Ferrari exit

More from Toto:

13:16 , Kieran Jackson

On the dynamic at Mercedes this season:

“I’ve always tried to be transparent and fair and nothing is going to change in 2024 in that respect. We owe it to our team to do that. And I will ensure that the drivers respect it. In terms of development doing forward, it’s something we need to look at. We will evaluate later in the season.

“But that’s not something that bothers me at all. We have engineers that go to other teams. I don’t have any doubt in Lewis’ integrity in terms of sharing information. We want to make sure that this is a successful season for the drivers and for Mercedes and all of us will give our utmost to achieve that.”

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble makes sense – he has lost patience with Mercedes

12:59 , Kieran Jackson

Comment by Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Picture it for a moment: Hamilton, a man who transcends Formula One and whose hunger for success is unabated, glistening in the sun of the famous scarlet red. The pure romanticism and prestige of such a partnership – between F1’s most famous driver and the sport’s most iconic team – has been mooted for years. Until now, flirtations between driver and team seemed insincere. Just fantasy. Surely, given Hamilton’s repeated commitment to Mercedes and a new two-year contract, a last dance with the prancing horse would not materialise? Surely… not?

But now we know: both parties simply could not resist.

On football’s transfer deadline day, Formula One ruffled the most shocking of feathers with the news that Hamilton – Mercedes’ star man for 11 years, world champion in six of those – will join the legendary Scuderia next year on a multi-year contract. A source told The Independent that Hamilton informed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday night of his decision to move, simply insisting he wishes to try something new. The 39-year-old has a one-year break clause in his new deal, which he has chosen to exercise in search of this “new challenge.” And, out of nothing, the 2024 season which looked so stale (no new drivers, no new races), and with a runaway favourite in Red Bull, has been sparked into life.

A firework F1 badly needed.

How Lewis Hamilton lost patience with Mercedes – and why Ferrari gamble makes sense

More from Toto:

12:45 , Kieran Jackson

On his reaction to Hamilton’s decision:

“Formula One has made me resilient to surprises. I’ve been confronted so many times in life with black swans and it was a surprise. But we knew it could be a year, or it could be two. That it would come to the end at the end of 2025 at the latest.

“I’d heard the rumours a couple of days earlier but I wanted to wait for the breakfast we had planned and that was Wednesday morning, when he broke the news.

“I didn’t try to convince him otherwise. How do we do the timings, how do we protect the team best, how do we get the two drivers working together without too much awkwardness. He drove in the sim today.”

Toto Wolff hints at Mercedes direction in replacing Lewis Hamilton after Ferrari exit

12:21 , Kieran Jackson

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hinted that the team will make a “bold” move to replace Lewis Hamilton after their star driver chose to join Ferrari next year.

Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton, who won six of his seven titles at Mercedes, will leave the Silver Arrows at the end of the year to take up a “multi-year contract” at Ferrari in 2025.

It leaves Wolff, who has worked with Hamilton for the last 11 years, needing to find a new driver to partner George Russell next year.

Drivers such as Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, Alex Albon and Fernando Alonso have all been immediately linked and while Wolff did not give names, he gave a strong indicator on the direction Mercedes may take in their search for a replacement.

“I always like change because change equals opportunity,” he told journalists on Friday.

Full quotes below:

Toto Wolff hints at Mercedes direction in replacing Lewis Hamilton after Ferrari exit

George Russell reacts to Lewis Hamilton’s shock Mercedes departure

12:09 , Alex Pattle

George Russell is already reflecting upon his ‘special’ time racing alongside Lewis Hamilton, as the pair prepare for a final season together at Mercedes.

Thursday brought the dramatic news that Hamilton will join Ferrari at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, ending a 12-year stint with Mercedes in which he has won six drivers’ titles so far – with the chance to add one more in 2024.

Russell, 25, joined Mercedes from Williams in 2022, and his sole F1 win came in his first season with the Silver Arrows.

Reacting to the news of Hamilton’s eventual departure, Russell tweeted of his fellow Briton on Friday: “It’s been special racing alongside you, @lewishamilton.

“Let’s make this season one to remember.”

More here:

George Russell reacts to Lewis Hamilton’s shock Mercedes departure

Lewis Hamilton’s worth revealed after Ferrari share price skyrockets

11:30 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari on Thursday saw the Scuderia’s share price skyrocket more than 10 per cent – equating to just under $7billion (£5.48bn) – on Thursday.

Mercedes confirmed late on Thursday that seven-time world champion Hamilton – who has won six of his seven titles with the Silver Arrows – has exercised a break clause in his new two-year contract.

It means Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in 2025, with the Spaniard now looking for a new team for next year as Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc.

Lewis Hamilton’s worth revealed after Ferrari share price skyrockets

Carlos Sainz and six other potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

11:15 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton has made a shock move from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

The British driver has been at Mercedes for more than a decade, winning six of his seven world titles with the team, but Hamilton has not won an F1 race for over two years as the team have dropped off the pace behind Red Bull.

The news has shocked the world of Formula 1, with Hamilton partnering Charles Leclerc, who signed a long-term extension with Ferrari last week.

Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz next year at the iconic Italian team, with the Spanish driver’s contract running out at the end of 2024.

Here is a look at who could replace Hamilton at Mercedes.

Carlos Sainz and six other potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Toto Wolff to speak after Lewis Hamilton exit confirmed

11:02 , Jack Rathborn

Toto Wolff is due to speak to the media shortly, he will address Lewis Hamilton’s departure and provide an update on plans for Mercedes in 2025 and beyond.

Lewis Hamilton addresses Ferrari speculation in resurfaced interview

10:45 , Jack Rathborn

Ferrari make British driver new addition to F1 team for 2024 season - and it’s not Lewis Hamilton

10:35 , Jack Rathborn

Ferrari have added British teenager Ollie Bearman to their reserve driver roster ahead of the 2024 F1 season.

Bearman drove for Haas – powered by Ferrari engines – to make his Formula 1 weekend debut in practice last year in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Chelmsford in Essex, joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2021 and, after impressing in the cockpit last year, will share Ferrari reserve duties this year with Robert Shwartzman and Antonio Giovinazzi.

Ferrari make British driver new addition to F1 team for 2024 season

Former F1 driver shares theory on reason for Hamilton’s move to Ferrari

10:25 , Jack Rathborn

F1 car launches: When do teams reveal their 2024 challenger?

10:15 , Jack Rathborn

The 2024 F1 season starts on 2 March in Bahrain - and preparations are already well underway ahead of the new campaign.

All 10 teams have quickly turned their attention to 2024, with the 2023 campaign having ended at the end of November in Abu Dhabi.

As we enter a new year, teams will start revealing their 2024 challengers in a series of launch events, before pre-season testing takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit from 21-23 February.

Can the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin reel in runaway 2023 champions Red Bull? The launch of their 2024 cars will be our first indication whether their drivers have the tools for the job.

When are F1 teams launching their 2024 cars?

F1 rejects Andretti bid to launch new team: ‘It would not add value’

10:05 , Jack Rathborn

Formula One has rejected Andretti Global’s application to join the global racing series in 2025 or 2026 but said Wednesday it is willing to revisit the issue in 2028 when General Motors has an engine ready for competition.

General Motors under its Cadillac brand had signed on to partner with Michael Andretti’s push to join to the top racing series in the world — a bid that has received extreme pushback from the majority of the existing 10 teams and F1 leadership.

But the process became more complicated when GM said in November it had registered with Formula One’s governing body to become an engine supplier starting in 2028. That backed F1 into a corner because it would be very difficult to turn away one of the largest automakers in the world, particularly an American company at a time the series has gained massive traction in the United States.

F1 rejects Andretti bid to launch new team: ‘It would not add value’

Martin Brundle leads Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari reaction: ‘He was always dismissive’

09:55 , Jack Rathborn

Martin Brundle admits he is “so looking forward” to Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year following the shock news on Thursday.

The seven-time world champion has decided to leave Mercedes after 11 years and six world titles at the Silver Arrows, with the 39-year-old joining the Scuderia for the 2025 season to partner Charles Leclerc.

It leaves Mercedes looking for a new driver to race alongside George Russell next year, while Carlos Sainz is looking for a new team.

Sky Sports pundit and ex-F1 racer Brundle was among the first to react on Twitter/X on Thursday.

“I’m so looking forward to this,” said Brundle.

Martin Brundle leads Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari reaction

‘Hello Lewis’: Footage of Charles Leclerc discussing his ‘ideal’ teammate resurfaces

09:45 , Jack Rathborn

Footage of Charles Leclerc discussing what he looks for in a Formula 1 teammate has resurfaced following Lewis Hamilton’s sensational move to Ferrari.

The seven-time world champion’s switch from Mercedes was confirmed on Thursday 1 February, after he activated a break clause in his current contract.

He will join Ferrari in 2025.

Back in May 2023, Leclerc was asked what he looks for in a teammate amid speculation Hamilton could be on the move.

“Hello Lewis,” he responded, laughing.

“I mean, Lewis is such an incredible driver, has achieved so much in the sport. So I think anybody on the grid would love to have Lewis as a teammate,” he added.

‘Hello Lewis’: Footage of Charles Leclerc discussing his ‘ideal’ teammate resurfaces

Charles Leclerc signs new Ferrari contract ahead of 2024 F1 season

09:35 , Jack Rathborn

Charles Leclerc has signed a new deal at Ferrari, keeping him with the Scuderia beyond the 2024 season.

Monegasque driver Leclerc has been with Ferrari since 2019 and has claimed five victories with the team, though is without a win since July 2022.

However, Ferrari have been keen to tie the 26-year-old down to fresh terms, with his old contract expiring at the end of the new season.

That new extension has now been confirmed and although the length has not been publicised, various Italian media outlets state that it runs until 2029.

Charles Leclerc signs new Ferrari contract ahead of 2024 F1 season

Lewis Hamilton’s results in the 2023 F1 season: Key points

09:25 , Jack Rathborn

So, no race wins for Hamilton in the 2023 season (nor in 2022), with his best results being runners-up finishes in Australia, Spain and Mexico.

The Briton also achieved podium finishes in Canada, Singapore, and at Silverstone.

Lando Norris details McLaren’s F1 goals for 2024 after signing new contract

09:15 , Jack Rathborn

When Lando Norris extended his McLaren deal last week, he ended speculation that he could join Red Bull this season.

Ironically, today’s news about Hamilton has ignited speculation that Norris could join Mercedes next year! As our Formula 1 correspondent Kieran Jackson, mentioned, it would likely take a lot of money to pry the Briton from McLaren now, but maybe Mercedes would be prepared to fork out...

Here’s what Norris said last week: “Considering we were able to do what we did last year, considering it’s a team that I’ve been with from the beginning, it’s a team that I want to continue my story with in terms of reaching my goal of winning races and winning championships.

“McLaren is the team that I want to do it with. They’re the ones who brought me into Formula 1 and gave me this opportunity. So, in some ways, I feel like I owe it to them and I’m just very much part of the family and very much enjoying where I am.

“I don’t want to join a different team and not enjoy it. I’m excited to be part of that family, especially on the trajectory that we’re on.”

Lando Norris details McLaren’s F1 goals for 2024 after signing new contract

Carlos Sainz and six other potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

09:05 , Jack Rathborn

Our Formula 1 Correspondent, Kieran Jackson, has taken a look at the drivers who could replace Hamilton at Mercedes if today’s news is confirmed...

Carlos Sainz

“A straight-swap deal could be the most obvious move for Mercedes. Sainz was out of contract at Ferrari at the end of this year anyway and may now be looking for a new team for 2025.

“Sainz is a two-time race winner, most recently with a terrific drive in Singapore last year, and has been on the podium 18 times during his nine-year career in F1 so far.

“The 29-year-old may be looking for his fifth team, having previously driven for Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren prior to Ferrari.”

Lando Norris

“Has the Brit showed his hand too soon? The 24-year-old signed a new long-term deal at McLaren last week, taking him beyond 2025 with the papaya and into the next era of regulation changes.

“Yet Norris, who is still searching for his first win in F1, is one of the fastest drivers on the grid and Wolff could well look to land Norris to replace Hamilton – and maintain an all-British feel to the garage.

“That being said, it would take some serious money to do so now.”

More insight into Hamilton’s potential replacements, here:

Carlos Sainz and six other potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton officially makes Ferrari switch for 2025 season

08:57 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton has stunned Mercedes and the world of Formula 1 by joining Ferrari for the 2025 season.

The seven-time F1 world champion, who joined Mercedes in 2013, signed a new two-year deal last summer at the Silver Arrows but has had a shock change of heart as he strives for a record-breaking eighth title in the twilight of his career.

Hamilton, who has signed a “multi-year contract”, will race alongside Charles Leclerc and replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari next year, with the Spaniard out of contract at the iconic Italian team at the end of 2024 and now looking for a new team.

Lewis Hamilton reunited with ‘right-hand man’ in support team shake-up for new F1 season

08:55 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton has brought back “long term friend” Marc Hynes to his support team for the 2024 F1 season.

Hamilton is eyeing a return to form this year having not won a race for more than two years, with his last victory coming in Saudi Arabia in December 2021. The Brit’s time working with long-term performance coach Angela Cullen ended last March.

Max Verstappen has won the last three world championships but Hynes – who worked with Hamilton from 2016-2021, when the Brit won four of his seven titles – has been brought back into the frame by the Mercedes driver to focus “solely on racing activities.”

Lewis Hamilton reunited with ‘right-hand man’ in support team shake-up

Lewis Hamilton discusses decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari

08:45 , Jack Rathborn

So, what have the key parties said about Hamilton’s move to the prancing horse? Here’s what the man himself wrote in the official announcement.

Lewis Hamilton said: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old.

“It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge.

“I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together.

“I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”

Toto Wolff reacts to Lewis Hamilton departure

08:35 , Jack Rathborn

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has had his say on Hamilton’s departure.

“In terms of a team-driver pairing, our relationship with Lewis has become the most successful the sport has seen, and that’s something we can look back on with pride; Lewis will always be an important part of Mercedes motorsport history.

“However, we knew our partnership would come to a natural end at some point, and that day has now come.

“We accept Lewis’s decision to seek a fresh challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to contemplate. But for now, we still have one season to go, and we are focused on going racing to deliver a strong 2024.”

Carlos Sainz responds after being dropped by Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton next year

08:32 , Jack Rathborn

Carlos Sainz insists he will “give his absolute best” this year after being dropped by Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

The shock news on Thursday sees seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton leave Mercedes after 11 years in which he won six world titles.

Hamilton, 39, has exercised a release clause in his two-year contract to leave the Silver Arrows and take up a “multi-year contract” with the Scuderia.

It leaves Sainz, who claimed Ferrari’s only victory last year in Singapore, somewhat in the lurch and without a drive for 2025.y

The Spaniard said in a brief statement on Twitter/X: “Following today’s news, Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024.

“We still have a long season ahead of us and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and for the tifosi all around the world. News about my future will be announced in due course.”

Carlos Sainz responds after being dropped by Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton next year

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble makes sense – he has lost patience with Mercedes

08:28 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Picture it for a moment: Hamilton, a man who transcends Formula One and whose hunger for success is unabated, glistening in the sun of the famous scarlet red. The pure romanticism and prestige of such a partnership – between F1’s most famous driver and the sport’s most iconic team – has been mooted for years. Until now, flirtations between driver and team seemed insincere. Just fantasy. Surely, given Hamilton’s repeated commitment to Mercedes and a new two-year contract, a last dance with the prancing horse would not materialise? Surely… not?

But now we know: both parties simply could not resist.

On football’s transfer deadline day, Formula One ruffled the most shocking of feathers with the news that Hamilton – Mercedes’ star man for 11 years, world champion in six of those – will join the legendary Scuderia next year on a multi-year contract. A source told The Independent that Hamilton informed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday night of his decision to move, simply insisting he wishes to try something new. The 39-year-old has a one-year break clause in his new deal, which he has chosen to exercise in search of this “new challenge.” And, out of nothing, the 2024 season which looked so stale (no new drivers, no new races), and with a runaway favourite in Red Bull, has been sparked into life. A firework F1 badly needed.

How Lewis Hamilton lost patience with Mercedes – and why Ferrari gamble makes sense