Despite Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff having labelled the recent rumours linking Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari as “not true”, Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater has revealed that a move for the seven-time World Champion is “under consideration” by the Italians.
It was reported at the start of the week that Ferrari were planning to offer Hamilton a contract for 2024 worth £40 million, a figure which fellow Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz believes is less than he’s currently on at Mercedes.
Hamilton’s current deal with the Silver Arrows is due to expire this season; however, it’s widely expected that the Briton will sign a multi-year extension with the Brackley-based team.
Hamilton has spoken openly to the media this season about how he views the Germans as his “home”, whilst Wolff has labelled the 38-year-old as a “blood brother”.
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Despite all of this, though, there is some truth behind the reports linking Ferrari to Hamilton, with the Scuderia supposedly open to dropping Carlos Sainz.
Slater revealed that whilst an offer hasn’t yet been sent to Hamilton, Ferrari are potentially on the cusp of making one, with the side not preparing to comment on the situation, something which could say a lot in itself.
“What I can say is there is something in this from Ferrari,” said Slater on Sky Sports News.
“So as I understand it, the official line from Ferrari to me when I’ve contacted them is no comment to make on this, which in itself is a bit brisk, but other sources in Italy have told me that a move or an approach for Hamilton is under consideration.
“I don’t believe it’s happened yet. That’s all I’d say.
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“In terms of the Mercedes side of things, all they’re saying to me is look at what’s been said publicly. And that’s consistently been from Hamilton’s side, ‘Mercedes are my family, we’re working towards a contract extension’, the same from team principal Toto Wolff.
“And all I can add to that is I have learned nothing about any alternate dialogue going on behind the scenes.”
If Hamilton were to make a shock switch to Ferrari, then it’d likely see him partner Charles Leclerc, who is also in need of a new contract in the near future, with his deal expiring next year.