Hamilton may fancy an Italian job claims Wolff

that our relationship continues but there is a 25 per cent chance we are not in control of.

“A sports team is not static. It is dynamic. That means there is always going to be change and change can provide opportunity.

“If one important member of the team breaks out, that provides risk, but also an opportunity at the same time.”

Wolff’s own future with Mercedes is also uncertain.

The 47-year-old Austrian, a leading candidate to run the sport in 2021, skipped the penultimate round of the year in Brazil – the first race he has missed during his seven-season tenure with Mercedes. Wolff hinted last night that he is prepared to miss further races next year, too.

“I know Toto options in terms added Hamilton.

“Only he knows what is the best thing for him and his family. So, I am waiting to see what he is doing with that.

“I love where I am so it is definitely not a quick decision to look to do something else.

“But it is only smart and wise for me to sit and think of what I want if it is the last stage of my career.”

While the prestige of Ferrari might be hard for Hamilton to resist, so too is the unbeatable combination he has served up with Mercedes in recent is of looking his own at his future,” years. His romp to the chequered flag under the lights of the Yas Marina Circuit, beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 17 seconds, was his 63rd with the Silver Arrows, his 84th in all.

He has now moved to within just seven victories of the all-time record held by Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton, who claimed his most recent title with two races to spare, is the only driver to have scored points at all 21 races this term.

He has seven more wins than anyone else in 2019 and his points total of 413 is the greatest recorded by any driver, beating his previous record from two years ago by five.

Verstappen finished runner-up after a fine move on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

The Dutch ace’s drive to second cemented his third place in the championship standings behind Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Leclerc finished third but his podium spot needed a steward’s inquiry following an alleged fuel irregularity.