What shocked Marko about Hamilton's Ferrari switch

Helmut Marko has revealed his "surprise" around Lewis Hamilton's decision to quit Mercedes and join Ferrari.

Despite signing a fresh contract with Mercedes in mid-2023 for two years, it was announced in February that Hamilton was activating a break clause in it to leave after just a single year, bringing to an end the most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history. 

Although it had been long-touted as a possibility, Hamilton to Ferrari was never deemed a realistic prospect - with the fall-out having ramifications across the driver market for next season. 

Whilst Red Bull motorsport advisor Marko conceded his surprise at the news, he felt it was a good news story overall for F1.

"There had been rumours but especially in the winter, there are a lot of rumours because no racing is going on," Marko told grandprix247.com. 

"But when it was officially announced, I heard it one day before it was announced, I was really surprised. 

"But on the other hand for Formula 1, it’s very good.

"This is the most successful driver we have in history, and together with Ferrari, the share price went up.

"So you see the effect on the marketing and on the money side.

"What happens is normally you start around July or August to talk about drivers for next year, and Hamilton moving so early means everything was earlier.

"Most of the deals are already done, but we will see, it will definitely be interesting."

The state of the driver market

Hamilton's departure from Mercedes to Ferrari has had a knock-on effect and effectively made Carlos Sainz a cork in the bottle.

As of the British Grand Prix, there are seven seats up for grabs - at Mercedes, RB, Haas, Alpine, Williams and Sauber. 

The second Red Bull seat, although confirmed to be Sergio Perez is currently at risk given the Mexican's alarming drop in form over recent races.

Sainz has spoken to Mercedes, Alpine, Williams and Stake - which will become Audi for 2026, and for whom Sainz has been a long-term target. 

However, the three-time grand prix winner is taking his time in deciding where he will drive in 2025, and as a result, other drivers are waiting for him to decide. 

Chief among these is Valtteri Bottas, with the Finn growing frustrated by Sainz's delay, but who remains confident that he will continue in F1 in 2025, although not with the Stake team he has driven for since it was Alfa Romeo in 2022.