Ferrari 'very flattered' by Hamilton's interest

A meeting did take place between Lewis Hamilton and Team Ferrari this year. The pilot's contract Mercedes ending next year, Ferrari chief executive Lucas Camilleri confirmed that the six-time world champion had met with the Italian manufacturer's president John Elkann although the Briton refused to discuss the subject.

“It has been made public that Lewis had discussions with our president, said Lucas Camilleri during the season debrief in Maranello, quoted by The Guardian. We are clearly very flattered that Lewis and other drivers want to join us. Every driver on the grid dreams of driving for Ferrari. »

“We have a long-term contract with Charles (Leclerc) and that of Sebastian Vettel expires at the end of 2020. It would therefore be premature to decide anything. We will study the options to see what will suit the team best.", added the man from Maranello.

Lewis Hamilton's future could be determined by that of Mercedes Motorsport director Toto wolff who is tipped to replace Chase Carey at the head of the F1 at Liberty Media. However, Scuderia Ferrari would not view this change very favorably.

“Anyone who has had a significant and active role in a team in recent years will create a conflict of interest if they take on responsibility in F1, said Lucas Camilleri. It wouldn't be a good thing if Wolff found himself running F1. The rest of the paddock would not be very happy if Mattia Binotto (Ferrari Team Principal) was a candidate to replace Carey. Our veto will be our last solution. »

Ferrari is still looking to win its first world title in more than 12 years, its last coronation dating back to that of Kimi Räikkönen in 2007.