Sebastian Vettel has brushed aside renewed speculation that he might leave Ferrari at the end of 2017.
The 29-year-old said that he was "not thinking about" contractual matters this early in the season.
The four-time world champion's time at Maranello has so far failed to live up to expectations. The team didn't win a single race in 2016, leading to gossip that Vettel had fallen out with the Scuderia's senior management.
And this week Mercedes boss Toto Wolff further stoked the rumours by agreeing that Vettel "would fit" at Brackley. Vettel is out of contract at Ferrari at the end of 2017, and Valtteri Bottas is only on a one-year deal at Mercedes.
"I understand if from the outsider's perspective," Vettel told Germany's Auto Bild when asked about the latest wave of speculation.
"But at the moment, my only goal is to keep moving forwards with Ferrari," he insisted. "I will not be distracted from that.
"To succeed, every single step must be taken," he added. "There is no shortcut to success."
Driving at Ferrari was a childhood dream for Vettel, especially as it meant following in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher.
Despite the lack of title success in the last two years, Vettel said Ferrari was "more than a mere racing team." He added that he could still picture himself remaining with Ferrari for the rest of his time in F1.
However, Sky Sports' German commentator and former driver Marc Surer says that Vettel may have to call time on his Italian dream.
"If his third year at Ferrari doesn't lead to success, he is on the market," he said.
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