The Monaco Grand Prix is the showpiece event in Formula 1.
Stars, glitz and glamour parade around the circuit, while some of the finest drivers in the world battle the streets of the principality.
But in the lead-up to this year's race, all the attention is off the track and well away from the title fight between the Red Bull drivers.
Rumours are swirling that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari.
In a week of speculation, this is how the F1 world became gripped with the prospect of arguably its greatest competitor linking with its most storied team.
How did the speculation start?
Rumours of drivers moving between teams are constant in F1, but the suggestion Ferrari was getting ready to sign Hamilton started this week.
The Daily Mail published an article on Monday (AEST) that Ferrari was preparing a 40 million pound ($75 million) offer.
The article said Ferrari was ready to "break the bank" to sign the seven-time world champion, and said company president John Elkann was in talks with Hamilton's team.
This story sent the F1 paddock into overdrive.
F1 programs have dedicated plenty of time debating the possible move, while the press gallery on Thursday was fixated on the story during F1 media day in Monaco.
What has Ferrari said about the report?
Ferrari has been quick to try and throw cold water on the rumour, with team principal Frédéric Vasseur dismissing it on Thursday.
During the media day in Monaco Vasseur, who had Hamilton drive for his team in Formula 2 and Formula 3 more than 15 years ago, said every team would love to have Hamilton drive for them.
But the French-born principal declared to the media Ferrari has not spoken to Hamilton about joining their team.
"We didn't have discussions. I think every single team on the grid would like to have Hamilton at one stage, it would be bullshit to not say something like this," he said.
"And if I [talked] with Hamilton, the last 20 years, I discussed almost every single weekend with Hamilton.
"I don't want to have to stop [talking] with him because you're chasing me."
The suggestion Hamilton could join Ferrari would mean one of their current drivers — Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz — would have to be let go.
This has forced Vasseur to reiterate he is not thinking about any contract negotiations, including with Leclerc and Sainz, until the end of the season.
Has Hamilton said where he wants to drive?
Hamilton has also brushed speculation he is leaving Mercedes at the end of this season.
The 38-year-old, who has won six of his seven titles with the Silver Arrows, is out of contract at the end of the season.
He told reporters this week that his team are currently talking with Mercedes on a new deal.
"I think naturally when you're in contract negotiations there's always going to be speculation. Unless you hear it from me, then that's what it is," Hamilton said.
"My team is working closely behind the scenes with Toto [Wolff], we're almost at the end of having the contract ready."
Has Hamilton switched teams before?
Hamilton started his F1 career with McLaren where he won the 2008 drivers' championship.
The Briton spent six years with the famed team from 2007-2012, before making the shocking switch to Mercedes for the 2013 season.
Mercedes were finding their legs in F1 as a team and were starting to challenge the top teams.
Hamilton's arrival was a major turning point for both him and the team.
He won six titles, in 2014, 2015, 2017-2020, and finished second in the championship in 2016 and 2021.
Speculation about drivers and teams never ends, especially when they involve legends like Hamilton.
But at this stage, there is nothing concrete to suggest Hamilton will leave the team which together experienced unparalleled success in the sport.
