Hamilton talks informal, says Ferrari chief

MILAN: Ferrari chief executive officer Louis Camilleri said Thursday that it was premature to talk about a possible move of six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to the Italian team.

Camilleri confirmed that Mercedes driver Hamilton has had “conversations” with Ferrari chairman John Elkann, but not with him nor Team Principal Mattia Binotto. “It is common knowledge that Lewis has had conversations with (Elkann),” Camilleri told reporters at Ferrari headquarters at Maranello.

“(But) that was a little exaggerated. While it was at a social event, they have mutual friends,” said Camilleri, adding that “it would be premature to decide anything today.”

The 34-year-old Hamilton, who comes to the end of his Mercedes contract next season, will be bidding for a record-equalling seventh world title in 2020. Meanwhile, Camilleri pointed out that Ferrari have a “long-term agreement” with Charles Leclerc, the 22-year-old driver from Monaco who is under contract until the 2022 season. Leclerc is the junior driver to four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, whose contract at Ferrari ends after the 2020 season.