Sawt Falasteen - Ferrari confirm Hamilton staying next year 

The 41-year-old Briton continued his recent strong form, which brought his maiden win for Ferrari, by topping practice on Friday.

"Last year, I underestimated the scale of the transition from Mercedes to Ferrari," Vasseur told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera. "Everything was new to him and Lewis isn't one of those drivers who moves team every two three years."

Asked if he could confirm Hamilton for Ferrari in 2027, Vasseur said: "Yes."

"He knows the tools, the people and our approach now," said Vasseur. "And with these good results, he's entered a virtuous circle."

Vasseur said also that this year's Ferrari was not designed around Hamilton's requirements or style.

"Not at all, we don't tailor our F1 cars to one driver or another."

Ferrari also announced on Friday that, despite reservations, it was intended that Hamilton would join Charles Leclerc in Sunday's pre-race parade lap of mini-cars made of Lego.

The event has drawn a mixed reception among drivers, disenchanted by the amount of unpaid marketing work they are required to do for Formula One.

Four-time champion Max Verstappen had joined Hamilton and others in criticising the stunt on Friday, saying he did not like to see the drivers made to look like "kids and clowns".

The Red Bull driver said he preferred the usual parade lap with all the drivers sharing a flatbed truck to tour the circuit in front of the fans.

"I prefer to play with Lego at home, you know, with the kids," the Dutch driver said. "Not on a go-kart here, to be honest."

"I prefer to stand on a truck, with everyone together. It's more fun and looks more professional."

P.AbuBaker--SF-PST