The move will surprise many F1 observers because the 39-year-old British driver signed a new two-year deal last summer until 2025,although it remains unclear whether the deal contained an escape clause.
After signing the new contract,Hamilton spoke of having “unfinished business” at the team and of having faith that Mercedes could get back to the front.
Hamilton won six titles with Mercedes in seven years from 2014-20 and lost the 2021 championship to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on the final lap of the last race. He has not won a race since 2021 and remains stuck on a record 103 wins.
Five years ago,Hamilton was asked if he could ever be tempted to drive for Ferrari.
“If there is a point in my life where I decide I want a change,that potentially could be an option,” he said at the time.