Vettel dismisses Mercedes rumours

Sebastian Vettel has played down reports linking him with a move to Mercedes as a replacement for Nico Rosberg.

Mercedes are searching for a second driver after Rosberg's shock decision to retire from Formula 1, just five days after being crowned world champion for the first time.

The team hope to have his successor in place before the end of the year with Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas among those linked with the vacant seat but the top drivers are all under for next season.

Four-time champion Vettel has been mooted as a possible successor to Rosberg but the German, who failed to record a single victory with Ferrari in 2016, has another year to run on his contract and he has dismissed the speculation surrounding his future.

"I think it is not a big secret. Kimi (Raikkonen) and myself both have a contract for next year so it should be clear," Vettel told reporters at the Ferrari Finals in Daytona.

"A lot of things are happening but for us it is rather quiet which is a good sign. We are focusing on our job that we have which is a lot of work for next year.

"There are a lot of changes to the car so a lot of effort is going in, and there could be a surprise, but we will have to wait and see.

"When the rules change things can move around. Hopefully it moves us up, and makes us stronger, but it is impossible now to have any expectations."

Rosberg made the decision to retire just hours after he was crowned champion in Abu Dhabi but took some time before making his shock announcement on Friday.

Reflecting on his compatriot's retirement, Vettel said: "It is his decision and we should respect that.

"It is a very brave one because it is much easier to carry on, but if he feels it is time to stop, it is time to stop. You only have one life so you might as well spend it the way you want.

"Everybody is free to do what he or she wants. I was 23 when I won my first title so I had a different mindset which was that I wanted to go out and do it again. Looking back I can say I did. I love racing and I want to continue."