Lewis Hamilton has reportedly rejected the advances of Ferrari President John Elkann amid ongoing contract speculation surrounding the Mercedes driver.
The future of the seven-time World Champion has been the focus of intense speculation in recent months with his current deal set to expire at the end of this year.
However, Hamilton, who joined Mercedes in 2013 and has since ascended to the very top of the F1 record books with the Brackley-based team, has repeatedly issued his loyalty remains to the German outfit that has helped add six titles to his collection.
Despite this, no new deal to extend his stay beyond 2023 has been confirmed as yet, prompting the rumour mill to ramp up throughout the course of this season.
The lack of performance of Mercedes’ W14 from the start of the year has helped fuel speculation that Hamilton could look elsewhere for a new challenge.
One potential landing spot that has been rumoured is Ferrari, with speculation suggesting the allure of the Italian giants could tempt Hamilton away from Mercedes.
Leo Turrini, an Italian journalist regarded as a respected source of Ferrari information, revealed in the publication Quotidiano that Elkann made a personal attempt to sign Hamilton.
“Hamilton had been contacted personally by Elkann,” he stated.
“I understand he politely replied ‘no thanks’. And you can understand it.”
Turrini’s closing statement undoubtedly refers to the struggles Ferrari has encountered throughout a troubled 2023 campaign.
The Scuderia were Red Bull’s closest challengers last year, scooping four victories across the season to finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.
But this time around they have just three podium finishes and have often found themselves lagging behind Mercedes in the pecking order come race day.
Hamilton’s goal remains to go one clear of Michael Schumacher in terms of Championships by claiming a record eighth and given Mercedes aren’t far removed from their title-winning glory, it would be a shock if he were to break ties with the team given their tight bond.
However, if he were to swap Mercedes for Ferrari, he would become the first Englishman since Nigel Mansell in 1990 to adorn the red of the Scuderia.
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