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Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur confirmed Friday that seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton will stay with the Italian team next year, ending speculation over the British driver's future.
The 41-year-old continued his recent strong form on Friday by topping practice, after securing his first win for Ferrari.
"Last year, I underestimated the scale of the transition from Mercedes to Ferrari," Vasseur told 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," he said.
Asked whether he could confirm Hamilton for Ferrari in 2027, Vasseur said: "Yes."
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Vasseur said Hamilton now understands Ferrari's systems and working environment better after making the move from Mercedes.
"He knows the tools, the people and our approach now," Vasseur said.
"And with these good results, he's entered a virtuous circle," he added.
Vasseur also said this year's Ferrari car was not designed specifically around Hamilton's needs or driving style.
"Not at all, we don't tailor our F1 cars to one driver or another," he said.
Ferrari also announced Friday that Hamilton is expected to join Charles Leclerc in Sunday's pre-race parade lap of mini-cars made of Lego, despite reservations over the event.
The planned parade has drawn a mixed reaction from drivers, who have expressed frustration over the amount of unpaid marketing work they are required to do for Formula One.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen joined Hamilton and other drivers in criticizing the stunt Friday, saying he did not like to see drivers made to look like "kids and clowns."
The Red Bull driver said he preferred the usual parade lap, in which all drivers share a flatbed truck to tour the circuit in front of fans.
"I prefer to play with Lego at home, you know, with the kids," Verstappen said.
"Not on a go-kart here, to be honest," he added.
"I prefer to stand on a truck, with everyone together. It's more fun and looks more professional."
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