MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 08:00:28| >> :600:98695:98695:

Ferrari admits Hamilton met with chairman

Ferrari needs "two experienced drivers" for 2021, according to team boss Mattia Binotto.

Ferrari needs "two experienced drivers" for 2021, according to team boss Mattia Binotto.

Just before Christmas, the Maranello team announced that Charles Leclerc's current contract has been extended for two more years, taking the new deal to the end of 2024.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the deal involves a tripled salary for the 22-year-old.

But it also leaves Sebastian Vettel exposed, as the German's deal runs out this year.

One potential replacement is Lewis Hamilton, even though Bernie Ecclestone told Blick newspaper that he would be "crazy" to leave Mercedes.

"It is rarely a good move to leave a winning team," he said. "And Lewis would not have enough time to build a new team alongside Leclerc."

Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri says the Hamilton rumour has been "overblown", even though he admits the British driver met with chairman John Elkann.

"The two met at an event as they have mutual friends, but it's far too early to talk about drivers for 2021," he said.

"Our situation is well known. We have a driver with a long-term contract and a second driver whose contract expires at the end of 2020."

Camilleri says Ferrari will "review" the situation later this year, but what is certain is that Mick Schumacher or the other Ferrari juniors will not get a call-up for 2021.

"That would be too early for them," said Binotto. "For an important year like 2021, we need two experienced drivers."

ID:385185: cacheID:385185:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2941:
Written by
GMM F1
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Flavio Briatore pictured in September 2011
Read Next:
Wolff not going to Ferrari - Briatore
>
rhs 2.0


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!