Sebastian Vettel won’t be partnering Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season with Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius all but confirming Valtteri Bottas.

With Vettel leaving Ferrari at the end of this year’s championship, rumours claimed he could be off to Mercedes to make up a dream partnership with Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes, though, has made it clear since Vettel’s announcement back in May that while Vettel is an option, he is not a serious consideration.

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff was asked about the rumours ahead of the season-opening Austrian GP.

He told BBC 5 livesport: “He’ a great guy and we mustn’t not consider him, but our priority is Lewis and Valtteri and we very much hope to extend their contracts.