Hamilton at Ferrari? Bernie would make it happen, says Webber

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Former F1 driver Mark Webber believes Lewis Hamilton teaming up with Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari would have been a likely prospect if Bernie Ecclestone was still in charge of F1.

Hamilton's never-ending contract talks with Mercedes have inevitably led to speculation the four-time world champion could depart the Silver Arrows squad, and perhaps join his fellow quadruple title holder at the House of Maranello.

However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insists the discussions between the team and its star driver will soon reach a positive conclusion for both parties.

'Grotesque amount of money' stalling Hamilton contract talks - Horner

But if Mr. E was still running the show, Hamilton's state of affairs would be very different says Webber.

"I think if Bernie was still here, he would have him at Ferrari with Sebastian. Bernie would make that deal happen," the former Red Bull driver told Express Sport.

"He would want those two guys together at Ferrari but I don’t think that’s going to happen.

"I think it will be the teams as we see them now apart from Daniel [Ricciardo] being the one that has a decision to make."

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In yesterday's team representatives media conference, Red Bull's Christian Horner speculated that money was the likely reason for the delay in Ham's contract talks, and Webber agrees with his former boss' view.

"It might be the truth, mightn’t it? It’s not rocket science," said the Aussie.

"The driver will generally want an uplift with each contract that he has but the boys are big and ugly, I’m sure they can work it out.

"They know what they need to do there and Christian is probably just stating the obvious that if Lewis gets happy, then he’ll sign," added Webber.

"At the moment, they’re just working out the big detail, not the finer details, which is how much you’re going to get paid to do the job."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.