Mercedes respond to remarkable Hamilton rumour

Rumours of an earlier-than-planned departure from Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton were sparked by a cryptic radio message from the seven-time F1 champion in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's São Paulo Grand Prix.

The weekend at Interlagos proved to be a wretched one for Hamilton as he failed to make it out of SQ1 ahead of the sprint, and Q1 for the grand prix itself.

Describing his car after the weekend as "crap" and "a plank of wood", Hamilton finished 11th in the sprint and 10th in a race held in atrocious conditions, at least salvaging a point, although that was little consolation.

Just after the chequered flag had fallen, and on his cool-down lap, Hamilton then took to his radio and spoke to the team.

"That was a disastrous weekend, lads," said Hamilton. "Worst car ever. Thanks for trying and hats off to the mechanics at the pit stop. If this is the last time I get to drive, I'll be gutted that it didn't go great. Still, I'm grateful."

Naturally, with such words, speculation was instantly fuelled that after a glittering career with Mercedes, with whom he has won six of his seven titles, Hamilton would finish his time with the team early, with three grands prix remaining.

The 39-year-old announced before a wheel had turned in anger this season that he would be leaving Mercedes to drive for Ferrari next year, with Italian teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli waiting in the wings to fill his seat.

Could Hamilton possibly quit now, and Antonelli get an early taste of F1 racing in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi?

It seems not, as sources close to Mercedes have apparently informed Sky Sports that such gossip is not true.

According to the team, Hamilton will finish the season and then say goodbye. It is understood his radio message may have been aimed at team members no longer present after the race in Brazil.