Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto says the fact Lewis Hamilton isn't tied to Mercedes after 2020 makes him "happy" and praised the six-time World Champion.
Hamilton's current Mercedes contract expires next season and discussions have yet to begin over extending it into 2021 and beyond, when sweeping regulation changes will take effect.
Meanwhile Mercedes has also yet to decide if it will remain in the sport after 2020, having yet to sign up to the new rules with the current Concorde Agreement set to expire next year.
Although Hamilton has said he would like to end his career with the German manufacturer, which has powered him to all of his six titles, there will always be speculation that he might want to end his career with a new challenge by winning a title with Ferrari.
When Binotto was asked if he would look at signing Hamilton, he replied: "Lewis is certainly an outstanding driver, a fantastic driver.
"Knowing that he’s available in 2021 can make us only happy.
"But honestly it’s too early for any decision, so we are happy with the driver’s we’ve got at the moment and I think certainly at one stage next season we will start discussing and understanding what to do."
Hamilton has suggested his future is dependent on Mercedes chief Toto Wolff staying in his current role, and whilst admitted that was a nice gesture, he refused to give any further details on his or Hamilton's plans.
"Lewis and I have grown close over the last seven years," said Wolff. "We ended up in Mercedes at the same time in 2013 and I think we have built up a lot of trust.
"I think for him to say that is nice. I’d also like to know where he goes or if he stays in the future. And we are having those discussions about the future and I think it is very important between the two of us, like between many others that have played an important role within that team.
"Can I shed more light? No, for me it was important to finish the season in Abu Dhabi. There are many things to be decided on and we will see over the winter."
Discussion about this post