Vasseur opens Ferrari door for Hamilton

Although Lewis Hamilton has yet to sign an extension with Mercedes, it is widely expected that he will continue the rest of Formula 1 future with the Silver Arrows.

But speculation has been rife over whether he could make a shock switch to Ferrari, as Mercedes struggles to get on top of their car concept.

By contrast, Ferrari had a more competitive start to the new set of regulations introduced in 2022, but find themselves still lacking pace relative to the dominant Red Bull.

Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has opened the door to a potential drive at Ferrari for Hamilton, when speaking to Italian media La Gazzetta Dello Sport: "I still speak to him at every Grand Prix."

Vassuer was coy when pressed about Hamilton replacing either Carlos Sainz or Charles Leclerc in the future.

He said: "I don't want to compare him to our drivers, that makes no sense. But a contribution from such a top driver is, of course, not only driving the car, but also technical, strategic and help for the engineers.

"In that regard, if you have access to a Hamilton, a Max Verstappen, also a [Charles] Leclerc, that's easier."

Vasseur rates driver performances

Vasseur discussed the current situation with both Sainz and Leclerc, with the pair's contracts up for renewal in 2024.

Both have voiced their frustration with the team at races this season, with Sainz feeling that he was "compromised" by their pit stop strategy in Austria.

"One can always be better, as a team and as a driver," said the Frenchman.

"We didn't expect such a season for Charles and at first he pushed a little more than he had to do, but now he seems to be conducting it better. Carlos is very constant and that is why he is a good point of reference for us.

"For the team, it's sometimes better that he's a little calmer before talking. When they are still hot-headed, they do not have all the information to make a final verdict and that is why it is better to grab a moment before appearing in front of the microphone."