Ferrari F1 supremo masterminded Hamilton swoop after 'years of meetings'

Ferrari chairman John Elkann has been credited with making the move for Lewis Hamilton, after having several 'social meetings' with the driver in recent years.

39-year-old Hamilton is on the verge of confirming a deal to join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, leaving behind the Mercedes team that have helped him claim six of his seven drivers' world championship titles.

Despite signing a new two-year deal with the Brackley-based team last August, it appears as though that contract included the option to go elsewhere after one year, an option that Hamilton has made use of.

It will mean a partnership between one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport, and the most iconic team on the F1 grid, as well as the mouthwatering prospect of a team-mate battle between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

READ MORE: Ferrari F1 partnership drop MASSIVE Hamilton hint

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Hamilton's secret Ferrari meetings

Now, it has been alleged by BBC Sport that Hamilton and Elkann have often shared social occasions together.

Hamilton reportedly rejected Elkann's offer of a Ferrari seat before signing his contract with Mercedes, but it looks as though he has now back-tracked on that decision.

"The Hamilton deal has happened quickly," the BBC reported. "Ferrari were in negotiations over a contract extension with Carlos Sainz, whose deal runs out at the end of this season.

"But Ferrari president John Elkann then discovered that Hamilton was a possibility and moved to secure his signature. The two are friends and have met each other socially on a number of occasions in recent years."

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton: 10 things you may not know about the F1 superstar