Hamilton to Ferrari and Alonso to Mercedes? We’ve got the odds

Hamilton to Ferrari and Alonso to Mercedes? We’ve got the odds

It could be all change in 2018

He’s the lead driver in the best team on the grid, but could Lewis Hamilton be swapping Mercedes for Ferrari next year? Rumours persist that the three-time champion could ditch the Silver Arrows for the Scuderia and team-up with Sebastian Vettel next season.

Kimi Raikkonen is failing to deliver the goods for the Maranello outfit, and it’s believed they are courting other options for next season.

Other claims included Hamilton to Ferrari as part of a shake up which saw Mercedes give engines to McLarenin exchange for Fernando Alonso. That seems a touch unlikely, but Hamilton is no stranger to making bold moves, ditching McLaren for Mercedes in 2013.

But as much as a Hamilton/Vettel Ferrari line-up would be spectacular, our traders just don’t see it happening. In fact, they’ve slapped a rather hefty 25/1 price on Hamilton making the move this winter.

If it were to happen, however, then the most sought-after seat in the house would be up for grabs. And that would be music to Fernando Alonso’s ears. The Spaniard is enduring another dismal season with McLaren, who are again hamstrung by their Honda power unit. But this is the final year of Alonso’s contract with the Woking-based team, so where will he be for 2018?

Ferrari and Mercedes are the sport’s dominant forces, so doubtless the two-time champion will be keen to force his way in somehow. But even if Hamilton stays put at Mercedes, Alonso could yet end up at the German squad next year.

Lewis’ team-mate Valtteri Bottas is only on a one-year contract, having been drafted in to replace the retiring Nico Rosberg. The Finn has impressed greatly this season, winning twice on his way to emerging as a title contender.

But the appeal of a Hamilton/Alonso super-team to the Mercedes board could still see the Finn ousted. We’re 10/1 on Alonso driving for the all-conquering Silver Arrows next year, so they certainly aren’t ruling it out.

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