Still ‘never say never’ on Hamilton/Ferrari move

Michelle Foster
Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton PA

Signing Carlos Sainz to a two-year deal, Martin Brundle reckons that puts an end to rumours linking Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari – “but never say never”.

The Scuderia announced on Thursday that Sainz would partner Charles Leclerc for two years, starting in 2021, the Spaniard signed to replace Sebastian Vettel.

That concluded the latest round of rumours linking Hamilton to Vettel’s race seat.

While Brundle concedes it would have been “electric” to see Hamilton race for Ferrari, he doesn’t believe the Scuderia suits Hamilton’s current objectives.

This season the Mercedes driver is racing to match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven World title while next year, if he achieves it, he could grab an unprecedented eighth.

“Lewis made it clear in interviews we’d done, conversations we had with him, that his future [was with Mercedes],” Brundle told Sky Sports.

“They’re still going to be the team to beat and he’s still going to be the man to beat through this shortened season.

“It would be electric to see Hamilton in a Ferrari, but I don’t think it would suit Lewis right now.

“He’s 35 years old, and we’re talking about young guns in their early 20s that Ferrari are focusing on.

“I don’t necessarily think Ferrari wanted to pair up Leclerc with Hamilton.”

So for now at least Hamilton to Ferrari is over but that doesn’t mean the rumours won’t resurface in two years’ time.

Asked if he thinks that’s it for good for Hamilton joining Ferrari, Brundle replied: “Not now I don’t think.

“But never say never – this is a strange old business.”

With confirmation of Sainz’s move, Hamilton is expected to remain with Mercedes for at least the next two years giving him the opportunity to bag number seven and number eight.

After that, well Ferrari could be waiting…

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