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Lewis Hamilton LIVE: F1 star explains Ferrari move for 2025 and latest news

The British driver has been with the Silver Arrows since 2013 but will leave next year

Kieran Jackson,Jack Rathborn
Friday 02 February 2024 17:30 GMT
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Lewis Hamilton has had quite the career at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes after more than a decade with the Formula One team, after official confirmation he has agreed a move to Ferrari for 2025.

With the new campaign only three weeks away it marks a shocking way to start F1 in 2024, while also sparking what could be a long period of speculation over who would take Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes.

It’s over two years since the Brit has won an F1 race as the Silver Arrows have struggled to keep pace with Red Bull’s designs and drivers. During the close season he has moved to bring Marc Hynes back into his support team for the new campaign, while Ferrari have themselves appointed another Brit, Ollie Bearman, as their reserve driver for the year.

Follow all the latest news and updates regarding Lewis Hamilton’s future in our live blog below:

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Ferrari make British driver new addition to F1 team for 2024 season - and it’s not Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari have added British teenager Ollie Bearman to their reserve driver roster ahead of the 2024 F1 season.

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.

Ferrari make British driver new addition to F1 team for 2024 season

Ferrari have named the drivers ready to step in should Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz be unavailable this year

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 10:35
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Former F1 driver shares theory on reason for Hamilton’s move to Ferrari

Former F1 driver shares theory on reason for Hamilton's move to Ferrari
Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 10:25
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F1 car launches: When do teams reveal their 2024 challenger?

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.

When are F1 teams launching their 2024 cars?

F1 teams such as Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari will reveal their cars for the 2024 season in the coming weeks

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 10:15
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F1 rejects Andretti bid to launch new team: ‘It would not add value’

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.

F1 rejects Andretti bid to launch new team: ‘It would not add value’

Formula One says it does not see any benefit to adding an 11th team to its roster

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 10:05
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Martin Brundle leads Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari reaction: ‘He was always dismissive’

Martin Brundle admits he is “so looking forward” to Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year following the shock news on Thursday.

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.

Martin Brundle leads Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari reaction

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sent shockwaves throughout the world of F1 as the seven-time world champion leaves Mercedes

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 09:55
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‘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.

‘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.

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 09:45
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Charles Leclerc signs new Ferrari contract ahead of 2024 F1 season

Charles Leclerc has signed a new deal at Ferrari, keeping him with the Scuderia beyond the 2024 season.

Monegasque driver Leclerc has been with Ferrari since 2019 and has claimed five victories with the team, though is without a win since July 2022.

However, Ferrari have been keen to tie the 26-year-old down to fresh terms, with his old contract expiring at the end of the new season.

That new extension has now been confirmed and although the length has not been publicised, various Italian media outlets state that it runs until 2029.

Charles Leclerc signs new Ferrari contract ahead of 2024 F1 season

The Ferrari driver has been with the Scuderia since 2019 and his old deal expired at the end of the new season

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 09:35
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Lewis Hamilton’s results in the 2023 F1 season: Key points

So, no race wins for Hamilton in the 2023 season (nor in 2022), with his best results being runners-up finishes in Australia, Spain and Mexico.

The Briton also achieved podium finishes in Canada, Singapore, and at Silverstone.

Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has been confirmed (Tim Goode/PA) (PA Wire)

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 09:25
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Lando Norris details McLaren’s F1 goals for 2024 after signing new contract

When Lando Norris extended his McLaren deal last week, he ended speculation that he could join Red Bull this season.

Ironically, today’s news about Hamilton has ignited speculation that Norris could join Mercedes next year! As our Formula 1 correspondent Kieran Jackson, mentioned, it would likely take a lot of money to pry the Briton from McLaren now, but maybe Mercedes would be prepared to fork out...

Here’s what Norris said last week: “Considering we were able to do what we did last year, considering it’s a team that I’ve been with from the beginning, it’s a team that I want to continue my story with in terms of reaching my goal of winning races and winning championships.

“McLaren is the team that I want to do it with. They’re the ones who brought me into Formula 1 and gave me this opportunity. So, in some ways, I feel like I owe it to them and I’m just very much part of the family and very much enjoying where I am.

“I don’t want to join a different team and not enjoy it. I’m excited to be part of that family, especially on the trajectory that we’re on.”

Lando Norris details McLaren’s F1 goals for 2024 after signing new contract

Norris has previously been linked with a move to Red Bull

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 09:15
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Carlos Sainz and six other potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Our Formula 1 Correspondent, Kieran Jackson, has taken a look at the drivers who could replace Hamilton at Mercedes if today’s news is confirmed...

Carlos Sainz

“A straight-swap deal could be the most obvious move for Mercedes. Sainz was out of contract at Ferrari at the end of this year anyway and may now be looking for a new team for 2025.

“Sainz is a two-time race winner, most recently with a terrific drive in Singapore last year, and has been on the podium 18 times during his nine-year career in F1 so far.

“The 29-year-old may be looking for his fifth team, having previously driven for Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren prior to Ferrari.”

Lando Norris

“Has the Brit showed his hand too soon? The 24-year-old signed a new long-term deal at McLaren last week, taking him beyond 2025 with the papaya and into the next era of regulation changes.

“Yet Norris, who is still searching for his first win in F1, is one of the fastest drivers on the grid and Wolff could well look to land Norris to replace Hamilton – and maintain an all-British feel to the garage.

“That being said, it would take some serious money to do so now.”

More insight into Hamilton’s potential replacements, here:

Carlos Sainz and six other potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton could be set to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025

Jack Rathborn2 February 2024 09:05

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