With Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes reportedly inching towards finalising a contract extension, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has done little to dampen speculation of a Ferrari move for the reigning world champion but believes Sebastian Vettel would veto the idea.
Ecclestone said, as if privy to inside information, in Barcelona, “Lewis will be in the right place next season.”
But when asked if that might be Ferrari, the F1 supremo answered cryptically, “He wouldn’t have a problem with it but I don’t think Sebastian would like it.”
Even team boss Toto Wolff appeared to admit that a Ferrari switch is still a possibility for Hamilton, “Lewis is a rock-star driver and every team would like him, but I am ok.”
Wolff explained the state-of-affairs regarding the final inking of the deal between the two parties, “There is no delay. We have very much agreed the terms and now it just needs to be done properly, and it is being done properly.”
When asked about the hold-up, Hamilton said in Barcelona: “You should ask Toto really. I think Niki said something about getting it done ahead of the next race in Monaco, so that should be the target.”