Hamilton still 'amazed' he's never driven for Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton admits to being amazed that his path in F1 has never led him to the golden gates of Maranello despite his undeniable attraction for Ferrari.

In July, Hamilton signed a two-year extension to his contract with Mercedes, a renewed commitment that practically ensures that the Briton will conclude his career at the pinnacle of motorsport with the all-conquering German manufacturer.

The seven-time world champion has never hidden his passion for Ferrari, being the proud owner of several of the legendary brand's machines.

Hamilton, who debuted in F1 in 2007 with McLaren before switching his allegiance to Mercedes in 2013, once admitted to meeting with Ferrari's top brass, but the talks never went beyond the exploratory stage.

Yet his annual visit to the Italian Grand Prix regularly offers him a warm reminder of what could have been with the stable of the Prancing Horse.

"For years, whenever I go to Monza and see the fans, I hear them saying ‘come to Ferrari’," Hamilton told Sky Italia.

"It warms my heart, but it’s pretty amazing I’ve never driven for Ferrari after so many years because it’s a dream for everyone, a goal to be achieved.

"It’s never really been possible and I will never quite know exactly why.

"I wish them the best and in the near future I will just have to stop them from winning the World Championship instead.

"I have a couple of Ferraris at home I can drive, but not the F1 Ferrari."

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Despite engaging in tentative talks at one point with the Scuderia, Hamilton said earlier this year in the wake of his new Mercedes deal that he never came close to leaving the Brackley squad.

"I was never close at all to ever leaving my team," he said.

"I think it’s only right that as drivers and as people, when you’re looking at your next phases and committing to periods of time in your life, you have to analyse what your options are.

"And make sure you have done your due diligence and have the pros and cons."

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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.