Lewis Hamilton to join Ferrari? Everything that's been said so far

The 2019 Formula 1 season has come to a conclusion with potentially one of the sport's biggest stories for many years brewing in the background.

But could Lewis Hamilton really be set to join Ferrari in 2021?

Figures from both sides discussed the matter in deep detail at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and it's only a shame that there will be few chances to glean regular information from the major players over the next few months.

We have learned a lot about the chances of the deal going through - here's what has been said on the matter.

Binotto 'happy' to see Hamilton available

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

Gazzetta dello Sport: Hamilton has met twice with Elkann

"Even from the times of Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali, the interest in the English champion has been constant and is still very strong today. According to Gazzetta, there have been two meetings between President John Elkann and Hamilton himself during 2019. Probably to talk about F1 and mutual intentions. Apparently Elkann, Ferrari and FCA's number one, is a big fan of Hamilton."

Wolff reacts to Hamilton tying his future to the team principal's

"Lewis and I have grown close over the last seven years. We ended up in Mercedes at the same time in 2013 and I think we have built up a lot of trust. At the same time, the two of us are part of a wider organisation where everybody is playing in their relative field of competence. For him to say that is nice. I'd also like to know where he goes or if he stays in the future. 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."

Hamilton reacts to Binotto's interest

"I think that's the first compliment I've had from Ferrari in these 13 years! Honestly I don't remember them ever mentioning me, ever, so thank you! I'll take it. It doesn't really mean anything, it's all talk, but it's nice that finally, it's taken all these years for them to recognise maybe, but I'm grateful. It's positive. I think it's never a waste of time ever to be nice to someone. It has been a long, long, long time and a team that I've always appreciated over the years, so to own the respect from someone from there who's obviously very high up is not a bad thing. I think they've got two great drivers as is, so who knows what the driver market's going to be doing over the next year."

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