Formula One: Lewis Hamilton set for shock switch to Ferrari in 2025, to replace Carlos Sainz

Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is set for a shock switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025 as replacement for Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, according to multiple media reports on Thursday.

Mercedes and Ferrari declined to comment on the speculation.

Sky Sports television said it understood Mercedes principal Toto Wolff would brief the team before a formal announcement later on Thursday.

Hamilton, 39, has been with Mercedes since 2013 and won his first title with McLaren in 2008. His current contract expires at the end of next year.

The British driver is the most successful driver in F1 history with 103 wins and 104 pole positions.

He was linked to Ferrari for this year but signed a new two-year contract last summer, along with Mercedes teammate George Russell, to stay until the end of 2025.

The new 2024 F1 season begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2.