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In a surprising turn of events, Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari in the upcoming F1 season, taking over Carlos Sainz's position. Despite having a valid two-year contract with Mercedes until the end of 2025, Hamilton will part ways with the team after the current season.

The seven-time world champion, boasting 103 wins and 104 pole positions, has been the most successful driver in F1 history. The 2024 F1 season starts with the Bahrain Grand Prix and runs from February 28 to March 2.

Hamilton, who moved to Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 and secured six world titles with the team, had previously been linked to Ferrari for the current year. However, he opted to sign a new two-year contract last summer, alongside Mercedes teammate George Russell, committing to stay with Mercedes until the end of 2025.

Despite not winning a race since December 2021, Hamilton's departure from Mercedes marks a significant shift in the F1 landscape. The news is expected to be communicated to Mercedes employees in Brackley today before an official announcement.

Charles Leclerc led a surprise Ferrari one-two in Thursday's practice at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Leclerc topped the second session, 0.112 seconds clear of Carlos Sainz despite missing virtually the entire first session with a gearbox problem.

Sainz was 0.278 seconds quicker than Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who was 0.007secs quicker than title rival Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas was fifth, from McLaren's Lando Norris.

Leclerc's performance on his home track was especially impressive, as drivers say that track time is crucial in Monaco to allow them to build up the necessary confidence to push to the limit between the barriers.

But Ferrari looked competitive all day. Sainz was continually up at the sharp end through the first session, ending it second fastest to Red Bull's Sergio Perez.