Lewis Hamilton opens up on why ‘dream’ Ferrari move never materialised

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Louise Thomas

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Lewis Hamilton has admitted it has always been his “dream” to drive for Ferrari and isn’t sure why the move to the Italian team has never happened in his career.

The seven-time world champion celebrated his 100th race win in Formula 1 at the Russian Grand Prix last weekend and has become the most successful driver in the history of the sport following spells at McLaren and Mercedes.

Hamilton’s sustained success in Formula 1 has also contributed to Ferrari’s title drought, with the sport’s most successful team failing to add to their world championship haul since the Briton’s rookie season in 2007.

The 36-year-old said in an interview with Sky Italia that the allure of Ferrari and the passion of the Tifosi will always appeal to drivers and that he will “never know exactly why” he their paths didn’t cross at some point during his career.

“For many years, when I came to Monza, walking next to the fans, I could hear them saying, "Come to Ferrari!’ Hamilton said. “This warmed my heart, but it's pretty amazing that I've never driven for Ferrari in so many years.

“Because it is a dream for anyone, a goal to be achieved. It was never really been possible and I will never quite know exactly why.

“I wish them the best and in my near future I hope I will continue to prevent them from winning the world championship. I have a couple of Ferraris at home. I can drive those, but not the Ferrari F1.”

Hamilton signed a contract extension with Mercedes at the start of this season and is committed to the team until 2023.

In the same interview, Hamilton also admitted that he “often” thinks about retirement as he approaches the end of his 15th season in Formula 1.

But the 36-year-old insisted that he remains “hungry” for further success in the sport ahead of the regulation changes next season.