Lewis Hamilton‘s sensational move to Ferrari has been tipped to lead to the return of one of Formula One’s best-ever drivers despite his recent retirement.

Superstar Hamilton shocked the world of motorsport after deciding to activate a break clause in his Mercedes contract, allowing him to leave and join the Scuderia.

His switch to one of the world’s most recognisable brands will officially come into effect in 2025 and will fulfil a dream he has harboured since his childhood.

The departure from the Silver Arrows, which is understood to have shocked team principal Toto Wolff, is likely to shake up the grid ahead of the next season.

Hamilton’s current team-mate, George Russell, will require a new sparring partner and this will have a knock-on effect as teams set about securing replacements.

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari may see a Formula One great return to the grid in the future

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Hamilton fulfilled a lifelong dream by opting to race for the Scuderia and signing a £40m deal

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Sebastian Vettel retired from F1 in 2022 but has now been tipped to make a shock comeback

Indeed, the move to Ferrari is said to have caught the attention of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who may well look to seal a shock comeback.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ralf Schumacher, the brother of the legendary Michael Schumacher, lifted the lid on Vettel’s potential return to the top of motorsport.

‘I’ve heard that Sebastian Vettel wants to drive again,’ Schumacher said. ‘Of course, a gap has to be closed now.

‘You saw what was going on on the stock market after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. That triggered something.’

Vettel, one of F1’s most recognisable faces, retired in 2022 after a glittering career that saw him line up for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin.

But with Mercedes actively looking to replace Hamilton for 2025, Vettel may well be extended the opportunity to immediately slot back in at the tip of the grid.

Schumacher has questioned, however, whether the step could prove too much.

He added: ‘Whether George Russell has the charisma to replace Lewis Hamilton worldwide in terms of marketing or Sebastian Vettel as a German driver at Mercedes, that’s probably a size too big for him.’

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Vettel won four world titles during his career and raced for Red Bull between 2009-2014

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Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, one of sport’s most recogisable brands, comes into effect in 2025

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Speaking in Bahrain, Hamilton revealed his reasoning behind his move to Ferrari, despite signing a new £50m-a-year contract with Mercedes only last August.

‘I saw my future with Mercedes then,’ he said. ‘An opportunity came up in the New Year and I decided to take it. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make.

‘Ultimately I am writing my story, and I felt it was time to start a new chapter.’