HORSE POWER TEMPTS LEWIS

Hamilton’s Ferrari lure

LEWIS HAMILTON faces one of the biggest decisions of his career after Sebastian Vettel shocked F1 yesterday by quitting Ferrari.

Four-time world champion Vettel (inset right) will part ways with the Italian team at the end of this season after failing to agree an extension on his £36m-a-year contract.

The German had a disastrous 2019 campaign in which he was outclassed by Charles Leclerc (inset left), and Ferrari will now begin their hunt for a new star to partner the 22-year-old.

Not only does yesterday’s announcement leave Vettel’s F1 career in tatters, it potentially paves the way for Hamilton to take his place at Ferrari.

The Briton is yet to negotiate an extension on his £40m-a-year contract with Mercedes which ends at the end of the year. Last month he dismissed talk of replacing Vettel by insisting he is already with his “dream team” but the uncertainty beyond this season refuses to go away.

Hamilton has flirted with the idea of donning the iconic red overalls of Ferrari at various stages of his career.

Informal talks over a switch in 2021 have already been held.

A link-up between the finest driver of his generation and F1’s most successful team seems like a match made in heaven.

The 35-year-old has also hinted that his next move could be determined by the whereabouts of Toto Wolff, the Mercedes boss who has overseen five of his six titles.

Wolff’s current deal finishes in December and last month he invested £37m in Aston Martin, who will take over the Racing Point team in 2021. Hamilton owes much to Mercedes since he ditched Mclaren in 2012, but the lure of ending his career with Ferrari could prove difficult to resist. Ferrari are desperate to end a drivers’ title drought which stretches back to 2007 and have the financial muscle to offer Hamilton a bumper payday.

Mclaren’s Carlos Sainz and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo are other names being mentioned.

Vettel, 32, had been in talks for several months over extending his stay at Ferrari but announced they will part ways after six seasons together.

“In order to get the best possible results in this sport, it’s vital for all parties to work in perfect harmony,” he said.

“The team and I have realised that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season.

“Financial matters have part in this joint decision.” played no