[PapaofGags]

Hamilton, Mercedes dismiss F1 future rumours.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have dismissed the latest rumours surrounding their respective futures in Formula 1.

With the reigning world champion outfit quietly setting its sights on a seventh F1 title double this year, there have been numerous reports since the start of the year suggesting its driver line-up and future may not be secure.

Various stories over recent days have claimed that talks between Hamilton and Mercedes over a new contract had stalled over pay – with the inference being that such an impasse could prompt the Englishman to switch to Ferrari from 2021.

However, posting on Instagram, Hamilton rubbished any talk of a clash over contracts, as he confirmed that discussions had not even started with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

"FYI Toto and I have not even spoken about contract yet,” he said. “Nothing is being negotiated currently, papers making up stories."

The speculation about Hamilton comes amid fresh rumours about Mercedes’ own long-term future in the sport, which is not guaranteed until it signs a new Concorde Agreement.

A report in Autocar this week said that Mercedes was poised to discuss a withdrawal from F1 at the next board meeting of parent firm Daimler, which it suggested would take place on February 12.

However, it's understood that no meeting has been scheduled for that date, and the chief executive of Daimler also shot down any suggestion that company was getting ready to withdraw from F1.

Asked by Reuters at a German Auto Industry annual reception in Berlin if Mercedes was preparing to pull out of F1, Daimler CEO Ola Kaellenius said simply: “Not true.”