Lewis Hamilton snubbed approach from rival team

Mercedes announced on Thursday that Hamilton had agreed a contract extension, committing him to the Formula 1 team until 2020.

Asked if he had also been approached by Ferrari or Red Bull, Hamilton said he had.

"In terms of the other guys approaching, one did," he said. "But I didn't give it any air."

Asked to confirm it was Ferrari he said: "You can make whatever assumption that you want!" Hamilton clarified he had never actively looked for an opportunity elsewhere and, having committed to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff at early stage, did not use other offers to bargain.

"Toto is a great human being and a great manager. We have got a great relationship, and it has gone from strength to strength," said Hamilton.

"We have had our ups and downs as every relationship does, but it has been one of a lot of growth, and I really appreciate Toto being so patient with me.

"Most people would not have been given the timeframe I chose to take, but the one thing that shows is the trust we have between each other.

"I said from day one, 'I am not looking anywhere else, I'm not talking to anyone else, I am not investigating to see what other options there are, I'm not playing you against anybody else.

"'While I know there are drivers calling you, which I expect, I also trust you are not thinking to do anything else, so we can take our time'."