Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari not as daft as it sounds… if he joins and wins the title he would surpass Michael Schumacher as F1’s undisputed champion

THE idea of Lewis Hamilton walking out on Mercedes when his contract expires at the end of 2020 to join underachievers Ferrari might not seem as daft as it sounds.

Yes, Mercedes have dominated the turbo-hybrid era. They have won five – soon to be six-straight Constructors’ Championship titles.

Hamilton is paid handsomely – up to £40million per season – plus Mercedes have lined him up with a perfect “wingman” in Valtteri Bottas.

Add in to the mix, Merc boss Toto Wolff has an excellent relationship with the Brit and gives him freedom to run his fashion empire, plus other projects.

However, the lure of driving for the most prestigious team in Formula One history and one of the biggest brands in the world, might just prove too strong.

Even Wolff himself admits that the dream of driving a red F1 car is part of every racing driver’s DNA, so much so that he discussed a move to the Italian team with Hamilton.

Earlier this season, Wolff said: “We have to acknowledge that is in every driver’s head to drive for Ferrari. It is the most iconic marque in Formula One.

“Even within the team we have discussed it. You have to be open-minded — drivers will explore these opportunities.

“We have always been very transparent with Lewis on this discussion. We would love him to stay. If ever we part, it will be very positive, no drama.”

In recent months, Hamilton has declared his love for Mercedes, speaking about how the German car giant looks after their drivers, yet they have to prove their loyalty.

Last month, Hamilton said: “When you are part of Mercedes, you’re part of a family for a lifetime – provided you stay with them, obviously”.

However, during the same month, he declared how he received messages from Ferrari fans begging to join the Italian team.

Still not convinced? Well, how about this. Aside from his love of their roadcars, it is all very well being remembered as a legend in F1.

His five – again, soon to be six – world titles ensures that, to so, those are ‘just’ numbers.

However, imagine if he were to win a seventh – or all-time record, eighth world title – at Ferrari, delivering the Italian team a title for the first time since 2008.

Not only would he be remembered as a driver who won those titles with three separate teams [McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari], but his position in Italy would become even more celestial.

He could eclipse Michael Schumacher and stand on the top of the podium as the No.1 all-time, undisputed champion of F1.

And that very prospect is exactly why some insiders in the paddock believe that, should the opportunity come in 2021, he’d even offer to drive the Ferrari car for free!