Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have dismissed speculations linking him with a move to Ferrari at the end of the current Formula One season.
Recent speculations have suggested that Ferrari could be plotting for a move to pair Sebastian Vettel with Hamilton in 2016, and the rumour was further fueled by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who suggested that, “it would be great to see Lewis at Ferrari, alongside Vettel.”
The Briton, whose contract with Mercedes will end this year, has yet to sign a new deal despite suggesting that it is his intention to do so. At the same time, Kimi Raikkonen’s future with Ferrari is also in doubt, and the Italian giants have not offered him a new deal; meaning there could potentially be a seat available for next year.
But while Mercedes were quick to dismiss all rumours, Ferrari also responded by reiterating their desire to keep hold of Raikkonen. And according to team boss Maurizio Arrivabene, the new deal has been delayed as a form of motivation; pointing out that the Iceman operates best under pressure.
“We are very clear, I repeat again: I said to Kimi, ‘Look, it depends on your performance’ and he has demonstrated that he’s a great driver,” he told ESPN.
“So if you ask me now, does he deserve to renew the option, now today I am going to say yes. But if I am going to say yes, I don’t want the driver to fall asleep. So I want to keep him up.
“Kimi is giving the best when he is a bit in trouble. This is a psychological approach. So the [contract] paper at the moment is white. Sometimes I have to offer the pen [to sign], then I take it back. And Kimi is going to the podium.”
Photo credits: www1.skysports.com
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