Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admits Lewis Hamilton could join Ferrari

The four-time World Champion is yet to sign a new deal with Mercedes and with his current contract set to expire at the end of 2018, he would be a free agent at the end of the year.

Hamilton, who turned 33 in January, is in talks over an extension but the delay has triggered panic in the Mercedes ranks as they fear he could move to their biggest rivals.

If it was up to Mercedes chief Wolff he would sign Hamilton for life but in an interview with Mundo Deportivo even he recognised the lure of Ferrari.

"I have a lot of respect for them and the only thing I can say is that Hamilton is part of the Mercedes family, although I do not exclude that possibility after 2020.”

Sebastian Vettel has taken maximum points from the opening two races in Australia and Bahrain, with Hamilton finishing second and third respectively.