Lewis Hamilton has remained with the Mercedes F1 team for the past decade of his career, winning six championships in an extremely successful period driving for the Brackley-based outfit. However, since the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP that won Mercedes their last championship, things have gotten strained with their star driver as Hamilton has not won a race since.

Amid a winless streak for the Briton, rumors emerged that he was considering a move to Ferrari after the end of his contract. Now, although Hamilton has signed an extension with his team, Fred Vasseur has revealed that he has kept in touch with the seven-time world champion regularly over the past two decades.

I’m talking with Lewis each week or each month for 20 years. I can’t say that I didn’t speak with Lewis at one stage because we are always in contact.

Fred Vasseur said, as reported by PlanetF1

The seven-time World Champion has also been linked to Red Bull by the media, though the rumors were eventually debunked by both parties. Meanwhile, Ferrari has yet to announce contracts for their two drivers, with a decision with Carlos Sainz not yet made due to disagreements over his contract extension.

Fred Vasseur hints at future Max Verstappen signing by Ferrari

Max Verstappen has firmly established himself as one of the most talented drivers to grace the Formula 1 grid, with three brilliantly driven championship-winning campaigns. The Dutchman has been with the Red Bull since the early stages of his career, driving for them in his entire F1 stint.

The three-time champion has an extremely lucrative contract to driver for Red Bull till 2028, the longest extension for any driver on the grid so far. However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has left the door wide open for a potential contract with the 54-time race winner after his contract concludes, claiming any team would be happy to welcome him.

I think that if you ask the 10 team principals on the grid, everybody would be pleased to welcome Max into the team. Never say never.

Ferrari is also reportedly looking at potentially signing McLaren star Lando Norris in 2025, with contract negotiations with Carlos Sainz being hindered by the prospect. The Spaniard wants a longer extension, while Ferrari wants to keep the spot open for a potential Norris entry.

In case you missed it:

• Carlos Sainz lists the drivers whose onboard camera racing footage he uses as reference
• Max Verstappen’s race engineer pinpoints the ‘turning point’ in the Dutchman’s F1 career

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW