F1: Bottas denies signing Ferrari deal

Valtteri Bottas has dismissed rumors that he has signed a pre-contract agreement with Ferrari, but he admits that his Formula 1 future is open beyond 2015.

With Bottas out of contract with Williams at the end of this year, speculation arose during the recent mini-break the Finn would replace compatriot Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari from next year.

Raikkonen's current deal with Ferrari also expires at the end of the campaign, although there is an option for 2016 providing both parties are in agreement. When asked at Barcelona ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix about the conjecture, Bottas said: "I heard plenty of stories. It's sometimes quite funny to hear those, because in the end you know what is the case and what's not, with people making up stuff.

"The fact is, at the moment, I'm focusing on this season, doing my maximum for the team, and the rest I don't know yet."

Specifically asked as to whether the rumors about a deal with Ferrari were true, Bottas replied: "No."

Bottas is leaving his future in the hands of his management team, with Didier Coton the main figure, supported by Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

"There are always many kind of rumors, but I'm not really thinking about those – that's for my management," added Bottas. "I'm only interested in focusing on this moment and this season, and that is the best thing for me to do for the future as well.

"I don't have anything [a contract with Williams] for next year. My management is talking to them, and maybe there are some things they've not told me, so you should ask them! But, as I say, at the moment I'm not thinking about any move, just about getting the best out of this season.

"Those things are for my management to think about. I'm sure they have some sort of plan for my career, the years ahead. Of course, it's nice to know sooner rather than later what I am doing, but for the moment it's a bit too early."

Originally on Autosport.com