The hypothetical signing of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari starting in 2025, reflected in some Italian media this Thursday, would imply that the Spanish Carlos Sainz would stop driving for the 'Scuderia' starting next year.
While no other announcement is official, the 39-year-old Briton is a Mercedes driver until the end of 2025, although with an option to leave after this season. Hamilton holds the historical record for titles - which he shares with the German Michael Schumacher - as well as the historical records for victories (103) and pole positions (104) in the premier class.
The 29-year-old Sainz from Madrid - with two victories and 18 podiums in F1 - has a valid contract with Ferrari until the end of this season. Last week the renewal of his current partner, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc, was announced. However, if the signing of the seven-time world champion for the 'Scuderia' finally became official, the Spaniard would be forced to leave the Italian brand.
Consulted by EFE, sources close to the talented Madrid driver admitted knowing about Hamilton's possible arrival at Ferrari, without confirming or denying any hypothesis about Sainz's future starting next year.
The son of the brand new winner - for the fourth time - of the Dakar Rally, also a double world rally champion, faces his tenth season in F1 this year, his fourth in Ferrari.
As possible destinations for Sainz, if Hamilton's signing for Ferrari is confirmed, there are the 'Stake F1 Team' team (Sauber) - a team that from 2026 would be Audi - and Mercedes itself (where a steering wheel would obviously be free) or Aston Martin, the current team of his compatriot the Asturian double world champion Fernando Alonso.
