Sebastian Vettel has laughed off rumours linking him with a potential future move to Mercedes.
Despite a contract with Red Bull through to the end of next year, the triple world champion is again being linked with rival teams.
Gossip has consistently swirled over the years regarding Vettel and Ferrari which has in turn led to numerous denials, not least from the man himself.
Now Mercedes have been mooted as a future destination for Vettel, with the team’s non-executive chairman Niki Lauda stirring the pot at the weekend.
Lauda alluded to potentially luring Vettel away from Red Bull as he said: “I continued what (former motor sport director Norbert) Haug began.”
In response, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko remarked: “Niki should be absolutely trying to get Vettel.”
The 26-year-old, however, who leads this year’s title race by 10 points to Lotus’ Kimi Raikkonen ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix, could not help but smile when a move to Mercedes was mentioned.
“I was surprised when I read it as well. I don’t usually read that much, just the headlines, but it was pretty funny,” said Vettel.
Lauda has since backtracked on his remarks, now stating Mercedes does not need the German.
Lauda added: “We’re not trying to get him as he has signed a contract with Red Bull until forever. With (Lewis) Hamilton and (Nico) Rosberg we have the best pairing in F1.
“The two push each other forward positively and the driver change has motivated the whole team.”
Given the friction that exists at Red Bull between Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber, the Milton Keynes-based marque seemingly continue to be pulled in opposite directions.
Yet Red Bull again lead the way in the constructors’ championship, whilst Vettel is starting to look ominous, despite the poaching of a win in Malaysia that by rights should have been Webber’s.