Biggest deadline day transfer! F1 star Lewis Hamilton steals football's spotlight with bombshell move from Mercedes to rivals Ferrari

The seven-time world champion will sever ties with Mercedes and walk away from the final year of a contract that was due to run until 2025. The sensational move has been confirmed by Ferreri and sent shockwaves around the sporting world.

Hamilton, who has seen Red Bull rival Max Verstappen steal his crown on the track in recent times, is set to inherit a seat at Ferrari that will be vacated by Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard will not see his contract extended, with team-mate Charles Leclerc already being tied down on a multi-year agreement that will take him beyond 2026.

Hamilton is a legend in motorsport circles, with 103 wins and 104 pole positions to his name. Ferrari have long been admirers of his considerable talent behind the wheel and have now finally landed their man.

News of Hamilton’s imminent team change has diverted attention away from football matters at the end of the winter transfer window, although the man himself will be keeping an eye on things there. Hamilton grew up as an Arsenal supporter and has previously been linked with potential investment opportunities at Chelsea and Manchester United.