Mercedes play down Vettel rumours: "We're sticking with our two boys"

Daimler-Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius has confirmed the F1 team’s intention to retain Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for the 2021 season, effectively ending speculation that Sebastian Vettel could join the team.

Before the 2020 season finally started, Ferrari announced they would not be extending Vettel’s contract, with McLaren’s Carlos Sainz being recruited as Charles Leclerc’s partner from 2021 on.

That fuelled speculation on where the German would end up in what could very well be the last major move of his career. A return to Red Bull had been mentioned, only for team principal Christian Horner to say it was not an option, while Daniel Ricciardo of Renault took a potentially free place at McLaren.

Hamilton clears Bottas of 'slow play' in Austria dying momentsRead more

A dream team tandem of Hamilton and Vettel at Mercedes was then mentioned, but Mercedes has now denied that is the team’s intention.

“We're staying with our two boys,” Daimler CEO Kallenius told Sky Germany.

“I can understand that this is a very exciting thought for the German fans.

“But with Lewis and Valtteri we already have two top drivers who perform at the highest level."

Kallenius' words were underlined with what he described as "a fantastic lap" from Bottas to take pole position and subsequent race victory in the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.

"We stand by the two drivers that we have now,” added Kallenius.

Before you go...

Sainz exit will have "subconscious effect" on McLaren - Brawn

Vettel non-committal over Ferrari team orders for this season

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