This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
December 13, 2019
Ferrari's CEO, Louis Camilleri, has downplayed speculation about a potential move by Lewis Hamilton to the Italian team, stating that it would be premature to discuss such a possibility.
Hamilton, the six-time world champion, is set to leave Mercedes at the end of his contract next season, sparking rumors about his potential destination. However, Camilleri emphasized that Ferrari has a long-term agreement with Charles Leclerc, the 22-year-old driver from Monaco who joined the team in 2015 and is under contract until the 2022 season.
Camilleri confirmed that Hamilton has had conversations with Ferrari chairman John Elkann, but not with him or Team Principal Mattia Binotto. He described these conversations as 'social' and 'mutual friends' rather than formal discussions about a potential move.
Meanwhile, Binotto expressed his confidence in Sebastian Vettel, the four-time world champion, who is set to leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 season. Binotto stated that Vettel's future with the team will depend on his performance and motivation for the 2020 season.
As for the Ferrari Driver Academy, Binotto emphasized that it will be too early for one of the young drivers to move up to the team in 2021, citing the need for drivers with Formula One experience due to the introduction of new cars.
