Max Verstappen rumours force Kimi Antonelli into making clear Mercedes stance

Kimi Antonelli has confirmed he is not in conversation with any rival F1 teams, as the speculation surrounding Max Verstappen and his potential move to Mercedes continues to inflame.

The young Italian insists he is "very happy" with the Brackley-based squad and is not interested in seeking pastures new, less than half a season into his F1 career.

The sudden scrutiny over the eight-time constructors' driver line-up comes after George Russell revealed Toto Wolff was in talks with Verstappen to prise him away from Red Bull.

Whilst his team-mate is the focal point of the uncertainty, Antonelli, like the British driver, is also out of contract at the end of the season, leaving the possibility that he ends up sidelined - or shuffled out to another team as part of a loan deal.

However, that looming threat has not caused the teenager to take matters into how own hands, maintaining the situation between himself and Mercedes is clear.

"Am I talking with other teams? No, no," the 18-year-old told media, including RacingNews365.

"I got this opportunity from Mercedes, and there is no talks with anyone else going on.

"I'm very happy where I am, and I'm also quite sure with the team and also what they want from me."

'I know the team has a lot of trust in me...'

The media storm, which is only increasing in intensity, comes in the wake of Antonelli crashing into Verstappen on the first lap at the Red Bull Ring. 

With the Dutchman handling the first lap retirement with grace, all the attention post-Austrian Grand Prix was on Mercedes and how it would support its young driver.

Antonelli explained how he is focused on reducing errors, but is not concerned with his status in the team.

"So I think, now, in my case, I need to just do my best, minimise all the mistakes and then try to deliver the best job possible," he said.

"But I know the team has a lot of trust in me, so I'm not really worried [about my future]."