Hamilton gives up on Ferrari 'dream' after Vettel contract extension

Lewis Hamilton admitted to having given up on the ‘dream’ of driving for Scuderia Ferrari – at least for the duration of Sebastian Vettel’s new contract with the Scuderia. The Mercedes driver has previously described himself as a “big fan of Ferrari” but confirmation of Sebastian Vettel’s new three-year deal has all-but shut the door on Lewis Hamilton at Maranello at least until the end of the 2021 Formula One season

“It is definitely a dream for every driver, including me,” Hamilton told Sky Italy at Spa. “Whether or not l will ever be there…I guess definitely not in the next four years or whatever it is – three years.” Hamilton had previewed confirmation of Sebastian Vettel’s extension, only signed on the Friday night of the Belgian Grand Prix, by ruling out any prospect of the pair driving together at Mercedes

“I know Seb doesn’t want to be my team-mate. He wouldn’t be in the position he is now in his team, in terms of how the team operates, if he was here.” – Lewis Hamilton explained, as reported by the British media – “They are very loyal to the drivers they have. For all us other drivers, and particularly those that aren’t in a Mercedes or a Ferrari, there’s one opportunity that might come up in the future because Kimi [Raikkonen] is not going to keep going on forever. So I’m sure they’ll be working hard to try and get that spot.” – the current Mercedes driver added.

Kimi Raikkonen’s latest deal only covers 2018, meaning a vacancy could emerge at Scuderia Ferrari in 18 months’ time. While Red Bull are adamant Max Verstappen is under binding contract for both 2018 and 2019, Daniel Ricciardo will become a free agent at the end of next season. But the Australian, who beat Vettel during their single year together at Red Bull in 2014, says it’s too early to consider a future career in red: “When I do get asked the Ferrari questions, I feel it’s more coming from fans and the media but not necessarily from Ferrari,” Ricciardo said – “I think maybe some people want to see it, but the people that matter I’m not sure if they do. If I’m really honest, knowing that nothing will probably happen anyway until 2019, it feels too far away to start thinking. We will see.”