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Mercedes management has flatly denied rumours that Sebastian Vettel could move to the team from Ferrari after his contract with the Scuderia runs out at the end of this season.
Speaking to ORF, Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda said: "That's nonsense. Why should Vettel leave Ferrari now that he wins one race after another? It would be crazy."
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The rumour, however, suggests that Vettel has been identified by the Silver Arrows as the perfect long-term replacement for his fellow German Nico Rosberg, who retired after clinching the title at the end of last year. Rosberg's seat is being filled this year by Finland's Valtteri Bottas, but he has only a one-year deal and therefore a limited time to prove he belongs with Mercedes.
Regarding a possible extension to his deal, Team Principal Toto Wolff told Italy's Sky: "It's very early to talk about a renewal for Valtteri. But I like him a lot and he's going well. As for the rumours about Vettel, I think at the moment he has the fastest car, and when you have that you don't change."
If Vettel was to leave Ferrari, however, the team would have a seat that could be filled by another top driver - and it is rumoured that it is targeting Red Bull's Max Verstappen should this scenario happen.
Despite this, however, Helmut Marko is insistent that Verstappen would not be free to leave the Austrian squad: "Contrary to rumours, there is no performance clause in Verstappen's contract. If we do not release him, he cannot go to Ferrari."
Mason Hawker
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