Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes that Lewis Hamilton won't be moving to Ferrari for 2021 and will remain with Mercedes for the foreseeable future.
News that Hamilton had met with Ferrari's top brass in recent months induced a whirlwind of speculation about the six-time world champion's plans once his contract with Mercedes runs out at the end of this year.
The conjecture surrounding the Briton is fueled by many fans' desire to see Hamilton embark on a new formidable challenge in the twilight of his career at the pinnacle of motorsport.
However, the chances of Hamilton leaving a championship-winning outfit for one that has persistently under-delivered in the past decade currently appear remote.
The odds could change following a disruptive event at Mercedes, such as the departure from the Silver Arrows squad in 2021 of team boss Toto Wolff.
But Coulthard sees a status quo on the horizon, with Hamilton remaining entrenched at Mercedes where he will fly to new heights.
"I’ve never felt that Lewis was ever going to go anywhere else (than Mercedes)," Coulthard told Reuters at the Autosport International Show.
"I’m sure he is talking to Ferrari... but he’s only ever been with Mercedes. Why go and break that?
Coulthard believes that Hamilton's current 'modus vivendi' represents the right sporting and personal balance for the 84-time Grand Prix winner, while money is likely no longer a consideration.
"Some people want that European twist to their life, but I think Lewis is quite happy in English-speaking territory. Britain and America. America for his play time, Britain for his racing," added the Scot.
"I don’t think he needs the huggy, cuddly, emotional ride that would come with Ferrari. And I don’t believe that Ferrari badge is etched on the inside of his mind since he was a wee kid. So why do it? Money? He’s got plenty of that."
The former 13-time Grand Prix winner ultimately believes that Hamilton will remain with Mercedes for a few more seasons.
"I have a much stronger feeling that he’s in it for another few years," concluded the Channel 4 commentator.
"So it does set us up for what could be an absolutely golden era of Formula One."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Aston Martin F1 team owner Lawrence Stroll is reportedly considering selling a minority stake in…
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has suggested that the increasing complexity of F1's sporting regulations…
McLaren boss Andrea Stella is hoping that the next set of upgrades on the MCL38…
Despite having their bid to join the Grand Prix grid in 2025/6 rejected by Formula…
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said that he would like to see more than…
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were team mates at Mercedes and fierce title rivals for…