Niki Lauda: 'Nico Rosberg not thinking about new contract'

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg celebrates on the podium after winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit in Manama on April 3, 2016
© AFP
Championship leader Nico Rosberg and Mercedes play down rising speculation about the German driver's expiring contract.

Nico Rosberg and Mercedes have played down rising speculation about the driver's expiring contract.

Reports have suggested that Rosberg is on pole position for a new deal beyond 2016, given his six straight wins.

However, Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda told Bild in Berlin: "Nico is not thinking about a new contract.

"He is currently so strong that while the topic interests the media, for a driver it is nothing."

Rosberg agreed: "This is currently not an issue for me. But I do want to continue for many years here [at Mercedes], that's clear."

The German tops the drivers' rankings with 75 points, comfortably ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton with 39.

Lewis Hamilton stands in the paddock during a press conference at the Circuit de Catalunya on February 25, 2016
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