F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ferrari boss says meeting with Hamilton 'blown out of proportion'

Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri says the meeting that took place earlier this year between the company's chairman John Elkann and Lewis Hamilton has been "blown out of proportion".

In Abu Dhabi, during Formula 1's season finale weekend, Hamilton confirmed a recent encounter with Elkann, a disclosure that fueled more rumors about the six-time world champion transferring to the Scuderia the end of 2020 when he contract with Mercedes expires.

However, at Ferrari's Christmas lunch with the media at Maranello, Camilleri downplayed the importance of the meeting between Hamilton and the Ferrari chairman, insisting it had taken place at a social event.

"Obviously, it was a social event, which has sort of been blown somewhat out of proportion, but it was a social event. They have some common friends."

The speculation surrounding Hamilton's future was also helped by the fact that few see Sebastian Vettel extending his stay at Ferrari past 2020, when his own current contract will have run its course.

"The fact is we have a long-term agreement with one driver [Charles Leclerc] and with the other driver the agreement expires at the end of 2020," added Camilleri who said he had not met with Hamilton.

"We clearly are very flattered that Lewis in particular, and other drivers want to come and join us, but it would be premature to decide anything today."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Ferrari and Mercedes admit to plank changes based on FIA’s TD

Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…

35 mins ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton continues on top in second practice

Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las…

1 hour ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas,…

1 hour ago

Leclerc confident Ferrari ‘has a shot’ at F1 Constructors’ title

Charles Leclerc believes that Ferrari has a genuine “shot” at beating rival McLaren to Formula…

2 hours ago

Komatsu: F1 teams united against Audi 2026 cost-cap offset

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that nine Formula 1 teams stand in opposition…

4 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in trouble-free FP1

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell led the field in a chilly but trouble-free first practice…

5 hours ago