The GIST: The 2024 Formula 1 season doesn’t officially start until the end of February, but F1 silly season has already begun. Seven-time world champion and long-time Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is, ahem, switching gears and joining Ferrari in 2025 — a move as unexpected as when Zayn left One Direction.
The context: There are only 20 spots on the F1 grid, with 10 teams composed of two drivers each, and Ferrari is one of the most prestigious, recognizable, and respected teams. While they haven’t had luck on the track recently, the oldest and most successful F1 team has competed in every World Championship since 1950.
Enter: Lewis Hamilton. The all-time winningest driver with 103 career victories, Sir Lewis dominated the 2010s with Mercedes. But while Hamilton brought the team six championships, Ferrari still reigns supreme with 16. The rich get richer. Speaking of, Hamilton has a chance to cement his GOAT status by winning his eighth world championship, overtaking Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher for most-ever world titles. History has its eyes on him.
The details: Starting in 2025, Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz — the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race last season — and join Ferrari poster boy Charles Leclerc, who signed a multi-year contract with the team last week. Until then, Hamilton will race one last season with Mercedes, while Sainz races for Ferrari. Awkward.
The impact: Contrary to what Max Verstappen’s dominance might have you think, F1 is an ultra competitive sport. While the grid will remain completely unchanged in 2024, 13 (!!!) drivers’ contracts are expiring this season. Expect everybody to put the pedal to the metal to steer clear of Drive to Survive–worthy drama.
