Wolff shuts down Hamilton to Ferrari talk

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Toto Wolff reminded pundits that Lewis Hamilton still has 18 months running on his Mercedes contract, rubbishing rumors of the Brit's possible move to Ferrari.

The story perhaps stemmed from Hamilton's own hints about his future in the aftermath of Sunday's win, when the three-time world champion expressed uncertainty over what his plans for next year.

"In terms of contract and stuff, I can’t really say what is going to happen six months from now," he said.

"In life, you don’t know what’s going to happen. Right now, I love driving and I feel I am at my best."

Suggestions that the House of Maranello could come calling, along with rumors that Sebastian Vettel would be interested in going the other way, prompted a visibly irritated Wolff to set the record straight.

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"I don’t know who talked about Ferrari and Lewis," said Wolff.

"Certainly nobody in the team and not himself. What he said was that he’s a Ferrari fan like we all are and it’s a team every driver dreams to drive in. Full stop."

Wolff echoed Hamilton's current radiance and very positive state of affairs at the Silver Arrows outfit.

"He’s in a very good place, he drives the fastest car at the moment and that’s a Mercedes. He’s driving great but you need a car that’s capable of doing so as well.

"We have a contract that goes for one-and-a-half more years and we have the best dynamic in the team, so all the talk outside has zero relevance for me."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.