Vettel ‘not distracted’ by Mercedes rumours

Sebastian Vettel has said his focus is completely on Ferrari and not on a potential move to Mercedes in 2018.

The German, who finished P2 after the second practice session in Melbourne, is into the final year of his contract with the Scuderia, while new Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas is only on a one-year deal.

Vettel has been strongly linked with a move to the Silver Arrows, but he said his long-term future is not priority at the moment.

“I understand if from the outsider’s perspective,” Vettel told Auto Bild.

“But at the moment, my only goal is to keep moving forwards with Ferrari, and I will not be distracted from that. To succeed, every single step must be taken.

“I’m not thinking about my contract.”