Hamilton on Leclerc to Mercedes rumors: 'No impact on my future'

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Lewis Hamilton says recent rumors of talks going on between Mercedes and Charles Leclerc will have no impact on his near-term future in F1.

Hamilton's current contract with Mercedes expires at the end of this season, and while the seven-time world champion and his employer have both signaled their intention to continue working together, they have yet to agree on the terms of a new contract.

It is understood that the two parties have broadly agreed on extending their collaboration in F1 for another two seasons but have yet to converge on Hamilton's post-career involvement with the German manufacturer.

Earlier this month, Hamilton said that he hopes to emulate the great Stirling Moss and forever remain affiliated with Mercedes as a brand ambassador and advisor.

However, a recent report in the Italian media claims that it's an open secret that Charles Leclerc would be Mercedes first choice as Hamilton's successor the day the Briton decides to call it a day on his life and times in Formula 1, and stated that Mercedes and the Ferrari driver were already talking.

On Thursday in Baku, Hamilton was asked whether the rumors would impact his talks with Mercedes.

"Not really. Some of the drivers speak to or have relationships with team bosses," he said.

"I like where I am, I love my team. I’m grateful for the journey we’ve been on and what we’re working on moving forward. It doesn’t have any impact, no."

Read also:

Steiner on Hamilton's F1 future: 'Where could he go?'

As for Leclerc, the Monegasque is tied to the Scuderia until the end of 2024, and insisted that he has had no contact with Mercedes and that he remains firmly committed to his current employer's project and to his own personal dream of bringing the world title back to the House of Maranello…

"No, not yet. Not for the moment," he said. "So, for now, I am fully focused on the project I am today, which is Ferrari.

"As I said, I fully trust and I’m confident for the future, then we’ll see. I’m fully committed to Ferrari. And I love Ferrari. It’s always been a dream for me to be in this team.

"And my main priority is to win the world championship with the team. So no, it’s not something in my mind."

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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.