Report: Ferrari failed with Lewis Hamilton approaches

Ferrari have reportedly failed with two attempts to persuade Lewis Hamilton to leave Mercedes.

Hamilton beat Nico Rosberg to his second world title as Mercedes dominated last year, but the 30-year-old did have the opportunity to make the switch to Ferrari, according to The Mirror.

The report claims that former Ferrari boss Marco Mattiacci made a secret approach to the Brit which was knocked back before his departure.

Hamilton was also believed to have been targeted by current team principal Maurizio Arrivabene, but he rejected the opportunity to open talks on both occasions in order to remain committed to Mercedes.

The world champion revealed on the weekend that he was close to signing a new deal.