Hamilton available for 2021, ‘happy’ days for Ferrari

Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto says the fact that Lewis Hamilton isn’t under any contract for 2021 “can only make us happy”.

Hamilton and Mercedes have become a match made in heaven – six consecutive Constructors’ titles for the Silver Arrows and the Drivers’ Championship in five of those six years for Hamilton.

But, like several of F1’s top stars, Hamilton’s contract expires at the end of the 2020 season, and he has beenregularly linked with a switch to Ferrari.

The Scuderia won’t begin discussing their driver options until the middle of next year, but Binotto admitted he’s “happy” that Hamilton may be available for the following season.

“Lewis is certainly an outstanding driver, a fantastic driver,” he said during the team principals’ press conference in Abu Dhabi.

“Knowing that he’s available in 2021 can make us only happy, but honestly it’s too early for any decision. We are happy with the drivers we’ve got at the moment.

“Certainly at one stage next season we will start discussing and understanding what to do.”

It is believed that Charles Leclerc is contracted to Ferrari until at least the end of 2022, while Vettel’s current deal runs out at the end of next season.

Gazzetta dello Sportis reporting that Hamilton has alreadytwice met with Ferrari president John Elkann.

The article claims that this ‘is a courtship that has lasted for years. Even from the times of Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali, the interest in the English champion has been constant and is still very strong today.’

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