Report: Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari in shocking move

Ferrari have not produced a Formula One World Champion since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, but their hopes of returning to prominence just received a huge shot in the arm.

According to ESPN, Lewis Hamilton -- the driver with the most F1 wins in history -- is set to switch teams from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time F1 World Champion signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes in 2023, but it appears the second year of his deal had an opt-out clause.

While Mercedes and Ferrari executives declined to comment when approached by ESPN, the outlet reported that "the deal is as good as done" and the move will see Hamilton replacing Carlos Sainz in a Ferrari seat starting with the 2025 season.

Over the years, the 39-year-old Hamilton has been in many championship battles with Ferrari's drivers, notably against the likes of Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc. As such, it will be rather strange for F1 fans to see the Briton representing the Red Prancing Horse during the home stretch of his illustrious career. It was previously believed that Hamilton would finish his career with Mercedes, the constructor that helped him win six of his seven titles.

ESPN added that Ferrari boss John Elkann has been determined to land a big name for the Italian team, especially after yet another season that saw Red Bull Racing (RBR) dominate proceedings. Although Ferrari made considerable strides during the 2022 season to finish second in the constructors' standings, they took a step back last year, finishing with only 406 points as compared to RBR's 860.

Hamilton will continue to represent Mercedes in the upcoming 2024 Formula One season, which gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2. He will once again be paired alongside George Russell, who finished eighth in the drivers' standings last season. Hamilton finished third behind champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.