What Lewis Hamilton’s stunning Ferrari move means for F1 stars Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton is set to complete a shock move to Ferrari to race for them from 2025 onwards, leaving Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in trouble.

The pair have been together since 2021, but with only two seats up for grabs, one will have to make way for the seven-time world champion.

3

Hamilton is preparing to bin off Mercedes after a couple of dry yearsCredit: Rex

Hamilton has endured a tough time with Mercedes in recent years, with Red Bull dominating.

Ferrari have been the closest competitor to Max Verstappen and co in recent years, so this is a move that makes sense for Hamilton, who will be desperate to win an eighth world title.

But for one of Leclerc and Sainz, this will be their last season with Ferrari.

Well, the main thing is that one will have to leave unless they are happy being the third driver, which given this pair’s experience, seems unlikely.

Leclerc is more likely to remain and partner Hamilton than Sainz because the 26-year-old recently signed a new deal with Ferrari.

This contract will keep him with the Italian giants until beyond the 2024 campaign, meaning he’s tied in.

3

Leclerc and Sainz are good teammatesCredit: Twitter @netflix

3

Sainz and Leclerc have been excellent drivers for FerrariCredit: AFP

Leclerc has even discussed the possibility of Hamilton being his teammate.

Speaking ahead of last year’s Monaco Grand Prix, he said: “Lewis is such an incredible driver, has achieved so much in the sport.

“So, I think anybody on the grid will love to have Lewis as a teammate, as everybody will learn a lot from him.”

So, with Hamilton set to join, it looks like Sainz will be making way.

The Spaniard’s current deal expires at the end of this year.

He was in talks over a new contract but things have stalled in recent weeks, and with this Hamilton news emerging, it’s easy to see why things have slowed down for Sainz.

He will now probably be looking for another seat next year.

Former F1 team principal Eddie Jordan told talkSPORT that he can see Red Bull and Mercedes competing for Sainz’s signature.

So, although it looks like he will be leaving Ferrari once this Hamilton deal is confirmed, all is not lost for Sainz.