Sebastian Vettel has made it clear he wants to remain at Ferrari in 2017 – and has a contract to do so – despite the temptation to join Mercedes following Nico Rosberg's decision to quit Formula 1 after winning his maiden championship.
Various names have been thrown about as to who could replace Rosberg, including Vettel, who many believe is growing tired of Ferrari's lack of performance after they failed to win a single race this year.
However the German insists Ferrari will be on the pace next season and he therefore sees no reason to switch teams.
"I think it's no secret the fact that me and Kimi Raikkonen have a contracts for next season," he said, speaking at the Ferrari World Finals event in Daytona on Sunday.
"We have not reached the goal this year, but now it is important that we do the best job at the factory over the next two months. I am confident that we will definitely present an improved package [in 2017]."
When asked if he has considered quitting after winning his first title, he added: “I think everybody is free to do what he or she wants. I respect his decision. I’m sure he’ll take time off before he goes on to do something else. I wish him happy holidays!”
Meanwhile Toto Wolff says hiring a "top driver" is his least likely option, hinting that either Pascal Wehrlein or Esteban Ocon could take the vacant seat.
"We have three roads that we can follow," Wolff told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The first is to think about having a number one and a number two.
"The second school of thought is to make use of our junior drivers, Ocon or Wehrlein and then the third path is to go on the market for a top driver. The third path I mentioned is the one I like least."
