- Ferrari insist that they have no regrets for not pursuing a deal for Lewis Hamilton
- Hamilton and Mercedes are still negotiating for a new deal ahead of the new campaign
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says the Formula One giants have no regrets over not pursuing a sensational move for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton, who is currently in a contract stand-off with Mercedes over extending his stay in F1, was strongly linked with a move to the famous Scuderia for the upcoming 2021 campaign.
The prospect of partnering F1’s most successful driver and the sport’s most successful team was an intriguing one for the Prancing Horse boss.
But, ultimately, Ferrari opted to replace Sebastian Vettel with Carlos Sainz, with the Spaniard joining from McLaren to line-up alongside Charles Leclerc this year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Binotto said:
“I don’t think there will be regret because at the end when we took some decisions, we took them thinking they were the right decisions and today we have a fantastic driver like Charles where we invested a lot as Ferrari.
“I think he’s got a lot of talent. If he’s got the right car, I’m pretty sure he can challenge Lewis Hamilton.
“We’ve made our choices, and I think together with Carlos we are very strong. I don’t think there will be any regret.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s contract stand-off with Mercedes continues to rumble on.
The Briton is believed to want a three-year deal worth £120m, though Mercedes are reportedly reluctant to offer the 36-year-old more than one season initially.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff had admitted the team need to be ready for plenty of curveballs as negotiations drag on.
