The F1 world is reeling with the news that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari next year.
The 39-year-old is set to leave Mercedes at the end of the year, having been with the side ever since joining from McClaren all the way back in 2013.
Hamilton previously denied talk of a potential move last year when he signed his latest deal with the Silver Arrows, one that tied him to the team until next year.
According to the Daily Mail, however, his contract with Ferrari for 2025 is 'already signed' with John Elkann leading the pursuit of the Stevenage-born racer.
Lewis Hamilton is set to be paid more than £40million a year when he joins Ferrari
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And the Briton certainly won't be strapped for cash once he crosses the divide.
The publication says Hamilton is set to earn more than Charles Leclerc's staggering salary of £40million a year, with the 39-year-old currently paid £50m every 12 months.
There have been 'flirtations' between both parties 'for a while' amid longstanding speculation.
And Hamilton has driven red road cars off the forecourt of their Beverly Hills dealership, while also visiting the team's factory in Maranello.
Some fans are questioning Ferrari's decision to sign Hamilton.
He is, after all, a driver approaching the twilight years of his remarkable career.
But Elkann is said to be attracted by the Briton's 'superstar status' and the fact that he transcends fame across the world.
Hamilton has become a global megastar over the past decade, ever since moving from McClaren all the way back in 2013.
And he's moving to Ferrari because he still wants to statistically become the best driver in the sport's history.
Hamilton has won seven F1 crowns over the years, emulating Michael Schumacher in the process.
Yet he'd love to win one more to usurp Schumacher and stand out in front as the greatest of all time.
Mercedes have been unable to get anywhere near Red Bull over the past few years, with Max Verstappen dominating the sport.
But Hamilton clearly feels the grass is greener with Ferrari, with the veteran now poised to follow in Schumacher's footsteps.
Mercedes will brief staff about Hamilton's exit in a meeting at 2pm later today.
George Russell is set to become the team's No 1 driver, having been forced to life in Hamilton's shadow over the past couple of years.
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John Elkann is delighted with Lewis Hamilton apparently already signing his Mercedes contract
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Leclerc was asked about potentially being team-mates with Hamilton last year.
And the Ferrari star made his feelings clear by praising the F1 icon, insisting it would be an honour to be on the same side.
“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, as everybody would learn a lot from him," he said at the time.
Hamilton, for his part, recently confessed he has a 'love-hate' relationship with the sport.
“I have no set plan for the future – I still feel fit and still enjoy what I do," he said.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are set to be Ferrari team-mates next year
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"I’ve now learned that you should never say never in life.
"I never thought that, after such a long time in Formula One, I would still feel the same love for the sport.
"It is a love-hate relationship – at times you love it more than at others.
"I think there comes a point when you’ve had enough. But the love is still there.”
