Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari leaves Charles Leclerc 'shocked and disappointed' as bombshell details emerge

Hamilton clearly feels the grass is greener with the Scuderia, having failed to win a single race over the past couple of years.

The 39-year-old will leave Mercedes after the current season, with Leclerc set to be his new partner.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, however, Leclerc was far from happy after learning about the news.

It's claimed the 26-year-old, as well as his entourage, were left 'shocked and disappointed' by the sudden development.

Leclerc had, just one week previously, signed a bumper new deal with Ferrari.

But he won't be racing with Carlos Sainz, with Hamilton set to replace the 29-year-old.

Other reports have, however, suggested that Leclerc is now adjusting to the challenge and confident about future success.

It'll be fascinating to see how the dynamics work at Ferrari, especially given how Hamilton and Leclerc are two of the best drivers in the sport right now.

The Italian side haven't won a drivers' championship since Kimi Raikkonen secured glory all the way back in 2007.

And they're banking on their new partnership to bring the glory days back to Maranello after years of struggling to compete.

Speaking last week, meanwhile, Hamilton opened up on his decision to leave Mercedes behind.

He insists he's motivated by a 'childhood dream' of racing for the F1 giants, despite everything he's already achieved throughout his glittering career.

“It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions," he said.

"But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.

"I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.

“Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make.

"I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto [Wolff], for his friendship, guidance and leadership.

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"Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history.

"And of course I cannot forget Niki who was a huge supporter and who I still miss everyday.

“I must also share my huge appreciation to the whole of the Mercedes-Benz board and everyone at the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me over these 26 years.

"But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge.

"I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013.

"I know some people didn’t understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it's the feeling I have again now.

"I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.

“However, right now, I’m not thinking about 2025.

"My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes.

"I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focussed than than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again."