Why is Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes? 7 time world champion's 'childhood dream' switch to Ferrari explained

It was news that shook the F1 paddock before the season had even started.

Ferrari's announcement back in February that they had agreed a deal with seven time champion Lewis Hamilton for 2025 sent shockwaves throughout the sport, as it marked the end of a formidable partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes that stretched back more than two decades - with the German brand engine suppliers to McLaren when a fresh-faced 22-year-old Hamilton made his F1 debut back in 2007. It also set the wheels in motion for a radical reshuffling of the F1 order; with Carlos Sainz searching for a new seat, and Mercedes prioritising Hamilton's teammate George Russell - who remains under contract with the Silver Arrows.

On the track it's therefore not been a season for the veteran - who will celebrate his 40th birthday in early January - to remember, but there have been high points - none more so than an emotional home victory in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. In Brazil, Hamilton cryptically hinted over team radio that he might not see out the season with his team, whilst after a nightmare Qatar race he said: "I'm just not fast anymore" when asked about a disappointing qualifying performance. That means that he'll be a man with a point to prove when he arrives in Maranello for the first time.

Ferrari finally securing Hamilton's signature will come as a massive boost to bosses at the Scuderia. He has been a thorn in the side of F1's most iconic brand since his first season in the sport. In 2008 Hamilton pipped Felipe Massa to the title with a last corner move in Brazil, whilst in both 2017 and 2018 he was the only man to finish above Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel. In fact throughout his 18 seasons in the sport, Hamilton has only finished