Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has countered suggestions Lewis Hamilton could leave for Ferrari or retire but has conceded negotiations are "uncomfortable".
Reports have surfaced hinting the Scuderia will table a major bid in order to lure the seven-time F1 World Champion away from the Brackley-based team which has been his home since 2013.
The link between Hamilton and Ferrari has been subjected to F1's rumour mill for some time, although it was last in rotation ahead of the end of his previous multi-year Mercedes deal in 2019.
But the public communication from both Wolff and Hamilton is that they are seeking to extend the existing partnership to keep the Briton racing with the Silver Arrows well into his 40s.
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Mercedes' struggles under F1's new regulations have allowed rumours regarding Hamilton's future to consistently resurface.
On his potential to move to Ferrari or retire instead of continue with Mercedes, Wolff told OE24: "These rumours come up every two years when we have to sign a new contract. But none of this is true. We discuss normally, without any time pressure.
"It's just uncomfortable that two friends, two blood brothers who have been through thick and thin for ten years, suddenly have to discuss money.
"I'm firmly convinced that we'll find each other, there's not a millimetre of doubt for me."
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