The seven-time world champion has been at the center of speculation this week as Ferrari prepares to lure him to Maranello as a potential partner for Charles Leclerc in 2024.

But Hamilton also poured cold water on suggestions he was considering a switch, as Ferrari made clear on Thursday that the matter had not yet been discussed.

Plus: Will Hamilton really be a worthwhile investment for Ferrari in F1?

Hamilton said the reports were nothing more than speculation, explaining that he was delighted with the progress his management team had made in reaching a new deal with Mercedes.

“I naturally think that when you’re in contract negotiations, there’s always guesswork,” he said.

“I think, in the end, unless you hear from me, that’s it.”

Hamilton hopes the new deal with Mercedes will be finalized in the coming weeks as he is pleased with the fact that for the first time in his career he will not have to deal with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff himself. negotiation.

Mercedes-AMG Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff and Mercedes-AMG Team’s Lewis Hamilton

Photography: Steve Etherington/ motorsport pictures

“My team is working closely with Toto behind the scenes,” he said. “We are close to finishing contract preparations.

“I have a team that is focused on it, so I can do my job. It’s a lot better than where I was before because I remember I used to negotiate on my own and it was stressful. So, I don’t have to do that anymore gone.”

Mercedes may face a tougher challenge in convincing Hamilton to stay due to their current underperformance, but the Briton said his opinion of the team’s strength has not changed.

Asked if the speed of the car had an effect on his talk, he said: “I don’t think it has an effect because we are still a championship team.

“It’s just that we picked the wrong car. There have been some decisions over the last two years that weren’t ideal and we’re working on that.

“We had a new upgrade this weekend, the team worked incredibly hard to make it happen and we’ve decided after Bahrain that this is what we’re going to do.

“I was a little bummed when the last game was canceled because I was excited to try this new package. So while it’s not the best platform, to really see these platforms come to fruition, we hope to experience it next week More.

“But, as I said, my team is chatting, discussing with the (Mercedes) team backstage and we’re almost done.”

Asked directly if Ferrari had contacted him or his representatives about an offer, Hamilton said: “No.”