Lewis Hamilton has said he isn’t worried about contract negotiations with Ferrari, as he disclosed he has a “pretty long” commitment with the team in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s debut season with the Maranello-based team has not turned out as either of the parties would have envisaged as he remains without a single podium.
Amid his struggles, the rumour mill has been abound with suggestions that the top brass at Ferrari are not interested in renewing his contract once it comes to an end.
Initially, the deal was dubbed as a ‘multi-year’ deal with theories that Hamilton’s contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.
However, during media day for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Briton gave revealing insights into his deal with the Italian marque.
“So normally when you do a contract, it’s usually the year before you start to talk about it,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I mean, I have a pretty long contract. So, I’m a little bit far from that [negotiating a new deal] right now.”
Hamilton hails ‘phenomenal’ Bearman
One of the names cropping up in the discussions for Ferrari’s 2027 line-up is that of Oliver Bearman.
The rookie has shown exemplary skill behind the wheel of an F1 car – especially after last-minute cameos for Carlos Sainz and Kevin Magnussen last season.
Tied to the Ferrari Driver Academy, Bearman has been touted as a staunch favourite to lead the next generation for the Scuderia alongside incumbent Charles Leclerc.
Reflecting on the 20-year-old’s best result for Haas, two weeks ago at Mexico, where Bearman finished a superlative fourth, Hamilton did not shy away from praising him.
“I think it was amazing. I was so happy for him. But also, his first race, just the progress he’s been making,” he said.
“Again, a really nice lad. Great approach, very approachable, and I think he did a phenomenal job there. I think they’ve been doing a great job over the course of the year.
“They’ve obviously developed really well as well. I’m really excited to see his future.”
READ MORE – Has a key Lewis Hamilton improvement gone under the radar?
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