Hamilton could go to Ferrari, admits Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted that although he believes Lewis Hamilton is currently happy in his role with the team, the four-time world champion could be tempted by the allure of Ferrari and jump ship to the Prancing Horse in the future.

Hamilton's current deal with Mercedes runs out at the end of the season, but he is reportedly on the brink of penning a new contract with the team which would see him earn £40 million to extend his stay.

Wolff has praised his driver for being the best driver of his generation and expressed his desire to have Hamilton finish his career with Mercedes, but admitted that Ferrari could be an option for his next contract.

“Lewis is the best driver of the modern generation,” the Mercedes motorsport boss told the Daily Mail.

“So of course, I’d like to keep him with us for as long as possible. But I think he has at least one more contract in him after this next one and Ferrari remains an attraction for every driver.

“Our relationship has gone from strength to strength. But of course, during a season things can become tenser.”

This week Wolff also claimed that Hamilton has his eyes fixed upon Michael Schumacher's record of seven world championships, but insisted the Brit was not getting too ahead of himself.

"He now has a great opportunity to put himself in an even more elite league of world champions with another title," Wolff said.

"He would be on par with Juan Manuel Fangio. And then there is only Michael Schumacher with seven titles in front of him.

"Lewis always thought like me: These historical successes will only mean something when you say 'It's over'. Or when they write your obituary."

Both Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are on four titles each and are poised to do battle for the elusive fifth in 2018.