Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has reportedly met up with Ferrari chairman John Elkann twice in the 2019 season to discuss future career options.

Elkann is believed to be a big fan of the Brit and the two have had a couple of meetings throughout the season, according to Italian source La Gazzetta dello Sport, as per Grand Prix.com.

The reigning world champion’s deal with Mercedes finishes next season, and there's already been plenty of talk surrounding his future.

Ferrari officials have already said they are happy at the thought of Hamilton being available after next season, and it seems like the Brit himself isn't doing anything to rule out the switch.

When asked about these rumours, Hamilton said: “I think they (Ferrari) have two great drivers already so who knows what the driver market is going to be doing over the next year.”

It is easy to see why Mattia Binotto’s team certainly has issues with their current driving line-up. Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc have both had problems throughout the season, and the former has largely underperformed.

The rookie driver finished 24 points ahead of his more experienced teammate this season, but they were still both miles behind Hamilton.

On Hamilton's future, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “My priority is to continue this successful journey, but if that ends one day, I’d be the first to cheer him.”

If Mercedes were required to replace Hamilton, a potential replacement would be talented Dutch driver Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished third in the Drivers’ Championships.

His contract, like Hamilton’s, also finishes at the end of next season.

Wolff, however, said: “We will not embark on a fishing mission with other drivers before Lewis and I have the discussion and it hasn’t yet taken place.”