Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto said: “I have said several times that I believe we have the best driver pairing in Formula 1 and so, with every passing race, it seemed a completely natural step to extend Carlos’s contract, thus ensuring stability and continuity.

“In his time so far with the team, he has proved to have the talent we expected from him, delivering impressive results and making the most of all opportunities.

“Outside the car, he is a hard worker with an eye for the smallest detail, which has helped the whole group to improve and progress.

“Together, we can aim for ambitious targets and I’m sure that, along with Charles, he can play a significant part in fuelling the Ferrari legend and will write new chapters in the history of our team.”

Seven-time world champion Hamilton has previously stated his ambition to end his career with Ferrari, to emulate the great Michael Schumacher with whom he shares his championship record, but this contract news potentially sees it all but over.

Getty

“For years, whenever I come to Monza and see the fans, I hear them saying ‘Come to Ferrari!’,” the Mercedes driver told Sky Italia last October.

“It warms my heart but it’s pretty amazing that I’ve never driven for Ferrari after so many years. Because it’s a dream for everyone, a goal to be achieved.

“It’s never really been possible and I will never quite know exactly why.

He laughed: “I wish them the best and in the near future I will just have to stop them from winning the world championship instead.

“I have a couple of Ferraris at home, so I do get to drive a Ferrari, just not the one!”