Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene has denied reports the Italian outfit is in talks with Lewis Hamilton as a potential successor to Kimi Raikkonen.
Whilst Raikkonen has upped his performance recently with a podium finish in Bahrain – his first since the 2013 Korean Grand Prix – Ferrari have yet to take up an option in his contract for 2016, sparking rumours they could be looking for a new team-mate for Sebastian Vettel.
Meanwhile Hamilton has yet to agree a new deal with Mercedes for next season, despite saying for the last few months that it’s close.
Arrivabene though dimissed the rumours completely, adding that he would prefer to partner a young talent alongside Vettel’s experience.
“Why do I need Lewis Hamilton when I have a heavyweight like Vettel?” he told the Bild newspaper.
“I would rather look around for a young, talented driver to unite with Sebastian,” he added.
That last comment seems in-line with suggestions Valtteri Bottas could be a prime candidate for the seat, whilst some media outlets are already reporting that the Finn has signed a pre-contract for 2017 – once his Williams deal has expired.
Addressing those rumours, Arrivabene added: “I promised in the pre-season that I would never lie to you [the media], but for this question it is too early to give a precise answer.”
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