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LEWIS Hamilton’s future with Mercedes is under increasing threat and the British driver could join Ferrari in 2021.
He has one more season with the Silver Arrows on his £40million-a-year deal and his team are holding ‘make-or-break talks’ over their future, according to the Mirror.
Preliminary discussions have taken place between Hamilton and Ferrari and the British driver is chasing a Michael Schumacher-equalling seventh world championship.
The Mercedes contract to compete in Formula One runs out at the end of this season their parent company Daimler are meeting on February 12 to discuss the future.
With so much uncertainty around the team, Hamilton is left to explore his options.
Daimler want to cut costs and are targeting a reduction of £770m from their global wage bill which could result in 10,000 redundancies.
Their F1 programme has drained plenty of cash so there is a chance the company will withdraw their support.
Another key issue is Toto Wolff’s future as he has been at the helm for five of Hamilton’s six titles and the pair have a formidable working relationship.
Wolff has been connected with taking charge as F1’s top boss, replacing Chase Carey and if he departed, it could be another nail in the coffin for Mercedes.
Hamilton is the sport’s biggest star and a high profile move to Ferrari was not shut down by the 35-year-old when he was asked about it at the end of last season in Abu Dhabi.
The Italian constructor are growing frustrated with Sebastian Vettel and could see a partnership between Hamilton and Charles LeClerc as their dream duo.
Online Reporter