Lewis Hamilton says it is normal that drivers will "have relationships" with other Formula 1 team bosses, amid claims Charles Leclerc has spoken with Mercedes about replacing him.
Hamilton's contract expires at the end of 2023, but unlike in previous years, there are no guarantees that he will sign fresh terms, given Mercedes' slump in form and his ambition to win a record-breaking eighth title.
The seven-time champion is also nearing the end of his Grand Prix career, with Ferrari racer Leclerc touted as a potential replacement.
Leclerc insists he is committed to Ferrari, and Hamilton is not fussed at the potential of the Monegasque replacing him, potentially after his own contract runs out at the end of the 2024 season.
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Hamilton not fussed about Leclerc
When asked by media, including RacingNews365, if the rumours had any impact on him, Hamilton responded: "Not really, I think all drivers have relationships with [team] bosses and stuff.
"I like where I am and love my team and am grateful for the journey we've been and what we are working on moving forward.
"It doesn't have any impact."
As for Leclerc, he reiterated his goal to become World Champion with Ferrari - and denied suggestions that he had spoken with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff over the phone.
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Balve Bains is joined by RacingNews365.com Editorial Director Dieter Rencken and Asia Correspondent Michael Butterworth to dissect the key talking points from the last week in F1.
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