Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2021?

Perhaps the longest standing rumor in Formula 1 is that six-time champion Lewis Hamilton will one day end up at Ferrari. Will it happen in the 2021 season?

Lewis Hamilton has driven for only two teams over the course of his highly successful Formula 1 career, which began in the 2007 season when he was in the first of his six seasons driving for McLaren. He became a world champion in just is second year in Formula 1.

The 34-year-old Briton made the move to Mercedes ahead of the 2013 season, the move that could ultimately make him the winningest driver in Formula 1 history. At the time, he had won 22 races. Hamilton, now a six-time champion, has now won 83 races, as the Brackley-based team have been dominant since the V6 turbo hybrid era begin in 2014.

Having not won fewer than nine races in a season since the 2013 season, Hamilton is poised to break the all-time wins record of 91, held by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, next year.

Next year is also the final season of Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes, as he signed a two-year contract extension with the team in July of 2018.

Hamilton himself has stated that he could “hand the baton” to Mercedes junior driver and current Williams driver George Russell ahead of the 2021 season. Here is what he had to say back in December of 2017, according to ESPN.

"“While the car is in this form of rules until 2021 at least, I think that’s going to be the window I’m still here. Who knows? Maybe in 2021 I’ll hand the baton over to [Mercedes junior] George [Russell]. He’ll be there anyway before then. I’m going to keep going.”"

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The current rules are indeed set to end after the 2020 season, with major regulation changes slated for the 2021 season. But is there a chance Hamilton will leave Mercedes after next year and still be in Formula 1?

If so, it’s hard to see him turning down an offer from Ferrari. In the history of Formula 1, there have been five four-time champions. Hamilton is the only one of these five drivers who has never driven for the Italian team, and he has stated that he hasn’t ruled out doing so.

Here is what he had to say about the matter last November, according to Wheels24.

"“At the moment it’s difficult to imagine being elsewhere. Mercedes is my family, I grew up with them. That was the case even with McLaren, but I knew that I wanted to change and show everyone that I could win with another team. I knew I could, but I wanted to prove it. At the moment I am not thinking about going to another team to win with them as well. But you can never say never.”"

Additionally, among the new rule changes for the 2021 season is a team budget cap. With that being said, driver salaries are not included in that cap, which could lead to monstrous bidding wars for top drivers.

Hamilton is clearly a top driver, whether you credit his abundant success with the strength of his car or not. His currently salary is roughly $57 million with the Silver Arrows. Would he really turn down something along the lines of an $80 million offer (or more) from Ferrari?

The scenario is not far-fetched. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel signed a three-year contract extension with the team in August of 2017, so the 2020 season is the final year of his contract. He has hinted that the 2020 season will be his last, and given his recent inconsistency, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ferrari released him after six years.

Here is what Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff had to say about the possibility of Hamilton joining Ferrari to Sky Italia.

"“It’s natural that drivers always dream of Ferrari, the most important brand in Formula 1. Red is like the sun in Formula 1.”"

However, as of now, Wolff remains optimistic that Hamilton will remain with the Silver Arrows.

"“He does not need [the sun]. He needs to win. He needs to be with a team and with people who love to work. And his emotion and heart are definitely with Mercedes today.”"

But he also admitted that Hamilton leaving to join the Scuderia is a possibility.

"“We hope to have the two most competitive drivers in Formula 1. And (Hamilton) is our priority today. But if he wants to have a look at the market, we have to as well. And there are others that I like.”"

Ferrari have been known for having a number one and a number two driver within the team, and it is clear that they are committed to Charles Leclerc as the future leader of the team. In his first season driving for Ferrari, he has already won more races, taken more pole positions and scored more points than his four-time champion teammate. So would Ferrari really want to add the ultra-competitive Hamilton to their driver lineup and risk him and Leclerc butting heads?

Will the 2020 Formula 1 season be Lewis Hamilton’s final season driving for Mercedes, and if so, will he leave Formula 1 altogether ahead of the 2021 season, or will he join Ferrari?