Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has once again quashed rumours linking Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, following reports that the Italians are preparing a £40 million deal for the seven-time World Champion.
According to the Daily Mail, the Maranello-based outfit are prepared to release Carlos Sainz in order to sign Hamilton, with Ferrari president John Elkann having supposedly spoken to the 38-year-old about making the switch.
It’s all rubbish, though, according to Wolff, who recently admitted that “these rumours” are created every time Hamilton needs to sign a new contract.
“These rumours come up every two years when we have to sign a new contract,” Wolff said. “But none of this is true. We discuss normally, without any time pressure.”
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Hamilton is widely expected to remain at Mercedes beyond 2023, with it being speculated that he’ll sign a multi-year extension with the Brackley-based team, keeping him at the side until 2025 at the very least.
With the 103-time race winner being the most decorated driver in the history of the sport, money is a complicated conversation for Wolff and Hamilton to have.
Wolff has openly admitted that he feels “uncomfortable” talking about money with someone he views as a “blood” brother, given how long the pair have worked together.
“I said that too”, Wolff added: “It’s just uncomfortable that two friends, two blood brothers who have been through thick and thin for ten years, suddenly have to discuss money.”
Wolff remains adamant, though, that a deal will be agreed upon between the duo.
“I’m firmly convinced that we’ll find each other, there’s not a millimetre of doubt for me.
READ: Williams make Logan Sargeant claim as Mick Schumacher lurks
“I can’t imagine anything else. If we give Lewis a competitive car, he will win for a long time. Look at Tom Brady what he was still capable of in his 40s.”
Should the rumours be true, and Hamilton does make a shock switch to Ferrari, then the Italians will supposedly consider allowing Charles Leclerc to join Mercedes; however, replacing Hamilton with Sainz is reportedly their preferred choice.
When Mercedes and Hamilton will announce a new deal is somewhat of an unknown but with the summer break already being just a couple of months away, perhaps they are waiting for then to put pen to paper.