Lewis Hamilton has been at the centre of speculation within the drivers’ market, as his future in the sport remains uncertain.
Hamilton’s contract at Mercedes expires at the end of the 2023 season, leaving him free to leave the Silver Arrows for a rival or step away from the sport all together.
With contract negotiations ongoing, it’s not yet clear where Hamilton will end up, as he explores which team offers the best shot of securing a record-breaking eighth world championship.
The rumour mill kicked into a new fear ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix after it was reported that Lewis Hamilton has been offered a £40 million contract by Ferrari, with his close ally Ferrari President John Elkann in contact with the Brit.
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If Hamilton did ditch Mercedes, it would be a blow to the team, which has built itself around the Brit since he joined the team in 2013, securing six Drivers’ Championships with the Silver Arrows.
Despite all the speculation, Hamilton appears keen to remain at Mercedes, once again pushing back on the rumours during the press conference at the Monaco Grand Prix.
“I think, naturally, when you are in contract negotiations there is always going to be speculation, and unless you hear it from me, that’s all it is,” Hamilton said.
“My team is working closely behind the scenes with Toto [Wolff] and we are almost at the point of having the contract ready.
“I’m having the team focused on that so I can just do my job.
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“I say what I want, and that is what we are working towards — hopefully in the coming weeks.”
Hamilton will be looking to push the rumours aside in the coming weeks, focusing on the racing, as he hopes to bounce back on track after a tricky start to the season.
Mercedes had a mixed weekend in Monaco, but the Spanish GP will serve as a better test of their new upgrades.