Ferrari: “Flattering that Lewis wants to move to America”

(Motorsport-Total.com) – Eddie Jordan, since Michael Schumacher's initially unlikely Mercedes comeback in the year 2010 with the image of a “paddock oracle”, is “absolutely certain that Lewis Hamilton 2021 will switch to Ferrari. And Toto will come with him. “

The former Formula 1 team boss says his 'Top Equipment' spectacular theory that Sebastian Vettel end 2020 resign and Hamilton will take his place at Ferrari. And with team boss Toto Wolff in tow! Wolff, Jordan speculates, should regulate at Ferrari that Hamilton will not go against shooting star Charles Leclerc.

“Lewis,” says Jordan, “has mentioned Toto's contract more than once, what once is very unusual for a Formula 1 driver. Lewis would only go to Ferrari if someone could protect him against the possibility of being ousted by Leclerc. Additionally Ferrari Toto would also be involved. “

What Ferrari doesn't have: “The one person at the pit wall who can lead the workforce and who leads the way, such as how the racing strategy has to be structured,” says Jordan. “Toto knows that very well. Racing is in his blood and he would love to be able to write a name like Ferrari on his CV.”

Ferrari also confirmed a meeting for the first time

That Hamilton 2019 twice with Ferrari President John Elkann, was no longer a secret. Mercedes never explicitly confirmed the rumors initiated by the 'Gazzetta dello Sport', but it did not deny it either , Now, for the first time, there is an explicit confirmation from Ferrari that Elkann and Hamilton have met.

“I think it is now widely known that Lewis has had talks with our chairman,” Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri confirms on the sidelines of a media event in Maranello. Camilleri explains, however, that he himself had never met Hamilton in person.

It is team boss Mattia Binotto who makes things more concrete and pours oil into the fire by saying: “It is very flattering that especially Lewis, like some other drivers, wants to switch to America, but it would be premature to make this decision today. We have a long-term contract with one driver and the contract with the other driver is expiring 2020 off. “

While it is assumed that Leclerc Ferrari until at least the end 2022 cannot leave , Vettel's contract ends after the season 2020. Binotto has announced that the Scuderia for the Substantial Prix of Spain in May will decide which drivers she wants to start with 2021 .

The decision will ultimately be made by Camilleri and Binotto, the two make clear. Of course, in close consultation with Elkann, who has had the previous discussions with Hamilton.

Camilleri: speculation “inflated” by the media

Incidentally, Camilleri emphasizes that they have been “disproportionately inflated” by the media. The meeting was merely a “social event”, on the sidelines of which a conversation took place. Postscript: Elkann and Hamilton happen to have “mutual friends”.

When asked whether it would be conceivable that Ferrari Hamilton would grant as much freedom as he currently enjoys at Mercedes, Camilleri replies: “To be honest, I don't want to go into that. As I said, it's still there way too early. We will consider our options at the right time and see who fits best into our workforce. “

One thing seems clear, however: If Hamilton really comes, Vettel has to go , Leclerc, as signaled by the Ferrari bosses this week in Maranello, is today beyond any doubt. “Charles,” says Binotto, “was very useful for us this season.”

And further: “In this part of his career it is very important that he has someone at his side. For how long? It depends a lot on how he develops next year. ” That sounds a bit like trying to take Vettel as an experienced man for another year – and then orienting yourself differently if necessary.

But Binotto also underlines: “It is too early to make a decision for 2021. But it is certain that Charles achievements in the are important for America in the coming season in order to be able to evaluate what will be the best for him in the future. “