Lewis Hamilton live updates: F1 Driver's statement on Ferrari ...

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.