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

40

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.

Hamilton: Everyone chasing a seat at Mercedes, including Verstappen

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.