Ferrari door open for Lewis

LEWIS HAMILTON is flattered by Ferrari’s interest – but has refused to rule out a move to the Italian giants.

Ferrari have ramped up their pursuit of Hamilton (above) at the season-concluding race in Abu Dhabi.

Reports in Italy suggest the Brit, who is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of next season, has spoken on two occasions with Ferrari chairman John Elkann this year.

And last night Mercedes boss Toto

Wolff – whose own future with Formula One’s record-breaking team is also in doubt – revealed he would not stop Hamilton from entering into talks with their rivals.

Hamilton will start today’s race as favourite to close out his world championship year with an 11th victory after putting his Mercedes on pole position. But after claiming the 88th pole of his career, Hamilton was asked for his response to Mattia Binotto’s comments in which the Ferrari team principal described him as an “outstanding driver”, adding that his potential availability in 2021 could “only make Ferrari happy”.

“It is the first compliment I have had from Ferrari in 13 years,” said Hamilton, who will be joined on the front row by Max Verstappen.

“I don’t remember them ever mentioning me before.

“It has taken all these years for them to recognise me, but I am grateful.

“To earn the respect from someone that is high up at Ferrari is not a bad thing. They have got two great drivers so who knows what the market is going to be doing over the next year.”