Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton denies Ferrari move talk, says new contract with Mercedes is close

Lewis Hamilton has quashed reports of a move to Ferrari, and said he is close to agreeing a new contract with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion is in the final year of his current commitment, and rumours have swirled as to his future with the team.

Ad The waters were muddied when it was reported that Ferrari had approached him about a move to the team for the 2024 season. Miami Grand PrixMiami qualifying red flag leaves Verstappen in ninth as Perez takes pole06/05/2023 AT 21:15 Hamilton has denied receiving any approach from Ferrari, and that his representatives are close to thrashing out fresh terms with Mercedes.

“Naturally, when you are in contract negotiations there will always be speculation and ultimately unless you hear it from me then that’s what it is,” Hamilton said. “My team is working closely behind the scenes with Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team principal] and we are almost at the end of having the contract ready.” Asked if there had been any approach from Ferrari, Hamilton’s one-word answer was unequivocal: “No.” Since winning his seventh title in 2020 and going agonisingly close in 2021, Hamilton and Mercedes have been well off the pace of Red Bull.

Verstappen unfazed by boos from the crowd Ricciardo eyes F1 seat for 2024 season Hamilton denied that the poor performance on the track was playing a part in the protracted negotiations. “No, it doesn’t have a bearing because we are still a championship-winning team,” he said.

“It’s just we have the wrong car, there have been some decisions that have been made over the past two years that have not been ideal and we are working our way through that. “I have got a great team in the background that are doing all the [negotiating] work so I can focus fully on the