This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
Italian media have been abuzz with rumors that Lewis Hamilton, the 34-year-old British Formula One driver, could be on the verge of joining Ferrari. However, Ferrari's chief executive, Louis Camilleri, has downplayed these rumors, stating that the meetings between Hamilton and Ferrari chairman John Elkann were purely social.
Camilleri made these comments during a lunch at Ferrari's Maranello factory, where he met with reporters. He emphasized that the meetings were not related to any potential transfer or contract negotiations between Hamilton and Ferrari.
Hamilton has been linked to Ferrari in recent months, with Italian media reporting that he had met with Elkann on two separate occasions this year. However, Camilleri has insisted that these meetings were not indicative of any serious discussions about a potential transfer.
Camilleri also addressed speculation about Ferrari's 2020 lineup, which includes four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and 22-year-old Monegasque Charles Leclerc. While Vettel's future with the team has been the subject of much speculation, Camilleri emphasized that the German driver remains a key part of Ferrari's plans.
However, Camilleri also acknowledged that the future is open for Vettel, who will be out of contract at the end of the 2020 season. He stated that Ferrari will need to sit down with Vettel to understand his intentions and discuss his future with the team.
Meanwhile, Hamilton has said that he is waiting for Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff to decide his own future before making any decisions about his own contract. Camilleri has stated that Ferrari would be against Wolff taking on the role of Formula One chairman, citing potential conflicts of interest.
