Ferrari boss to keep eye on Hamilton

Stefano Domenicali

(GMM) Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali has refused to rule out making a future bid for McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton.

The 42-year-old Italian, who has replaced Jean Todt in the Maranello based team's top job for 2008, praised Hamilton's rookie season last year but thinks this season will be a real test for the young Briton.

Asked by The Guardian if 23-year-old Hamilton might one day race a red car, Domenicali said: "I can't give a straightforward answer, yes or no."

He heralded Hamilton's driving last year under the "very, very high" pressure of an unexpected title assault.

"I think he learnt a lot last year, and this year will be very important for him," Domenicali added.

"If he's able to manage his talent and to grow as a person and as a driver, well, Ferrari is always looking at the fastest drivers."

Domenicali, however, does not agree with Hamilton that there will be less pressure on the British driver this season.

"He's trying, as is normal, to say, 'I'm freer this year'. I don't think so. But let's see," he said.