Lewis Hamilton Joins Ferrari in Shocking $40M Deal

MARANELLO, Italy — Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has made a stunning move to Ferrari, signing a multi-year contract worth over 40 million pounds annually. The British driver, who announced his departure from Mercedes last year, will replace Carlos Sainz Jr. and partner Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season.

Hamilton, 40, completed his first test drive with Ferrari this week, marking a new chapter in his storied career. The Italian team, which last won a world driver’s title in 2007, hopes Hamilton’s arrival will reignite their championship ambitions. “Call it instinct or a gut feeling, but I knew that signing with Ferrari was the right move for me,” Hamilton said in an interview with LinkedIn‘s “Get Hired” newsletter. “There are so many incredible people in the team that I can’t wait to work with.”

The move has drawn comparisons to Hamilton’s debut F1 season in 2007, when he joined McLaren and became the first Black driver to compete in the sport. His debut season was marked by immediate success, including four race wins and a maiden championship in 2008. However, it also included a spine-chilling test crash in Valencia, where he lost control of the McLaren MP4-22 at 185 mph, spinning into a gravel trap and hitting a tire wall. Hamilton emerged unhurt, but the car was irreparable.

Ferrari has confirmed that no such incidents have occurred during Hamilton’s recent testing. A team spokesperson stated, “Lewis was unhurt, and the car is in perfect condition. We are fully focused on preparing for the upcoming season.”

Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes ends one of the most successful partnerships in F1 history. During his 11-year stint with the team, he won six world championships and secured 82 race victories. However, his final season with Mercedes saw a career-low seventh-place finish in the standings, 22 points behind teammate George Russell.

The 2025 F1 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16, where Hamilton will make his Ferrari debut. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the British driver can lead the iconic Italian team back to the top of the podium.