Sebastian Vettel already has a 'pre-agreement' to join Mercedes in 2018 lying in the drawer of his office.
The claim is made by well-known F1 blogger and insider Leo Turrini, who is notoriously close to anything that has to do with Ferrari.
Although leading the world championship, Sebastian Vettel - whose Ferrari contract expires late this year - is rumoured to be in talks with Mercedes.
"Of course they're talking with Vettel," said paddock pundit Eddie Jordan.
Turrini, who publishes on his Quotidiano blog in Italian, agrees.
"It is no secret to anyone that after Rosberg's retirement, Mercedes contacted Seb," he said.
"During the pre-season test in Barcelona, Niki Lauda told friends confidentially that Vettel has a pre-agreement with the Germans for next season."
But Turrini said Ferrari subsequently surprised with its strong pace, and therefore could ink a new deal with the quadruple world champion for 2018 and beyond.
It's unlikely anything definitive has been agreed between the German manufacturer and Vettel, but it's also very probable that exploratory talks have taken place.
Is it just an impression or does F1's silly season start earlier with each passing year?
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