Mercedes leading driver Lewis Hamilton is reportedly in talks with their competitor team Ferrari. The speculations have intensified after reported scheduled Mercedes meeting.
Daimler, the group which owns Mercedes, have a meeting which will decide the future of its team in Formula 1.
The Mercedes commitment with Formula 1 will be expiring at the end of this season. Similarly, engagement of Hamilton, six times world champion with Mercedes, will expire with Silver Arrows.
He is currently highest paid driver in the sport with £40million-a-year contract. Reportedly, Ferrari have engaged the British driver for a probable understanding for 2021.
Last year, Hamilton moved one step closer to catch-up with Ferrari great legend Michael Schumacher, who won seven world titles.
The news of Hamilton joining the Ferrari to continue his career beyond 2020 has gained momentum.
The Mercedes will meet in two weeks time to decide its F1 future, which will also decide future course of action for 35 year old World Champion.
The contract of F1 and Mercedes is due this year for which the parent company Daimler have called a meeting on February 12th.
Racefans and Autocar have learned about Daimler’s concerns. The joint investigation has revealed that group is under huge pressure to reduce costs.
Last year the German corporation announced their plans to thrash their over-all expenditures.
It had announced to decrease it by an amount accumulating to €1 billion. They are planning to cut their 10,000 jobs from their worldwide man power.
The company have invested tremendously in their Formula 1 career. Mercedes Formula 1 team came back to sport in 2010 and had the most successful career in its history. The team managed to score double world championship for six consecutive seasons.
But the reported scheduled meeting shadows their future in the sport.
Hamilton beyond 2021
Hamilton would likely to continue its F1 career despite the decision made by Daimler board.
Six times world champion had hinted that his decision to switch to team will depend on the current Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Both had successful career together.
Hamilton future has taken the spot light and have fueled the discussions on his probable move in 2021.
The speculations suggest his likely move to Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc as the team frustration with Sebastian Vettel have grown over the last season.