Formula 1: Mercedes In Talks With Lewis Hamilton On Moving To Ferarri By Next Season

Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton may soon part ways but that might not happen until the five-time champion runs out of contract in 2020

The Briton signed extended his contract for another two years with Mercedes in July last year and his boss Toto Wolff hinted at his meeting with Ferrari over Hamilton's move to their team after next season. 

After winning the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Hamilton acknowledged his potential move to Ferarri during an interview but revealed that leaving Ferarri for another team "it's very difficult" for him. 

However, Wolff told the Sky Sports F1 after the race on Sunday that the team has talked this through with Hamilton and "have agreed on the topic".

"We had the discussion when we negotiated the last contract and I think that you just have to be open-minded," Wolff said, "Understand that drivers will explore opportunities that exist and benchmark themselves."

"What I've seen strong between Lewis and us is that we have always been very transparent with each other with our discussions. At the moment, everything is great...And if one day ways part, it will be very positive and each of us will try to achieve success with a different setup. No drama."

Whilst Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes for Ferrari, chances are he will be replaced with Sebastian Vettel or possibly Max Verstappen whose contract expires in 2020 and as Wolff teased, Vettel stands greater chance than any other drivers considering his skill and intelligence. 

"Sebastian...Why not Sebastian? Absolutely... I think you need to consider there is probably six or seven drivers out there that have the skill and the intelligence to deserve to be in a championship-winning car."