NEW DELHI: Lewis Hamilton has denied any discussions with Ferrari regarding a potential move to the Italian Formula One team.
The seven-time world champion, who currently races for Mercedes, revealed that he is close to finalising a new contract with his current team.
Hamilton, the most successful driver in the history of the sport, is out of contract at the end of the season, leading to speculation about his future.
However, he stated that his team is working on the contract negotiations, allowing him to focus on his job.
When asked directly about contact with Ferrari, Hamilton categorically stated that there had been no communication.
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur also confirmed that no offer had been made by the 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 rubbish to not say something like this," added the Frenchman.
Hamilton hoped the talks with Mercedes would be wrapped up "in the coming weeks".
The Daily Mail reported on Monday that Ferrari were set to offer Hamilton a 40 million pound ($50.48 million) deal to partner Charles Leclerc.
Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport said there appeared to be a "foundation of truth" to the story.
"When you are in contract negotiations there's always going to be speculation and I think ultimately unless you hear it from me, then that's all it is," said Hamilton.
He suggested maybe the media had "just got bored" after last weekend's scheduled Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was cancelled due to flooding.
Hamilton said Mercedes' current lack of form had not affected his decision.
"It doesn't have a bearing because we're still a championship-winning team," he said. "It's just we've had the wrong car, there have been some decisions that have been made over the last two years that have not been ideal.
"We are working our way through that... we have a new upgrade this weekend, the team have worked incredibly hard to bring this upgrade."
Leclerc appeared in the same session with Hamilton and winced when asked if he would welcome Hamilton as a team mate.
"If I say yes, I imagine it being the title of every newspaper," he said.
"I think anybody on the grid would love to have Lewis as a team mate as everybody will learn a lot from him," he added.
"But I'm happy where I am and with Carlos it's a great relationship too."
(With Reuters inputs)
