Hamilton has met with Ferrari in 2019 - Gazzetta

The prospects of Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari in 2021 have been raised, with Italian media claiming that the six-time world champion has already met with the Scuderia's president John Elkann.

Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Hamilton has met with Elkann twice this year, with his Mercedes contract expiring at the conclusion of 2020.

Hamilton has been linked to Maranello frequently in his career, with Mercedes team principal saying earlier this year: "The Cavallino is a phenomenal brand, the most prestigious in F1, and every driver dreams of winning the title with the redhead."

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto also raised eyebrows on Friday at the Abu Dhabi GP, when quizzed on the prospects of bringing Hamilton to Maranello.

"Lewis is certainly an outstanding driver, a fantastic driver," Binotto said.

"Knowing that he's available in 2021 can make us only happy, but honestly it's too early for any decision. We are happy with the drivers we've got at the moment.

"Certainly at one stage next season we will start discussing and understanding what to do."

Although Charles Leclerc is on a deal that is believed to run until 2022, Sebastian Vettel's contract, like Hamilton's, also expires in 2020, which could open the door for Ferrari to move on.

Hamilton has said his Mercedes future could be decided by that of Wolff, who has been linked with a move to head up F1 in 2021.

The Austrian, alongside Binotto in Friday's press conference, said that he was also interested in Hamilton's intentions with tentative talks already having begun.

"I'd also like to know where he goes or if he stays in the future," he said.

"We are having those discussions about the future and I think it is very important between the two of us, like between many others that have played an important role within that team."

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