Lewis Hamilton says that media reports linking Christian Horner with a move to Maranello are distracting for Ferrari.

The announcement in early July that Fred Vasseur had agreed a new contract seemingly put to bed talk of the Frenchman being fired following heavy criticism from the Italian media.

However, just three days later it was announced that Horner had been sensationally fired by Red Bull.

Understandably, the Briton, who has overseen all of the Austrian team's titles, was linked with a number of teams, and following disclosure of his multi-million pound pay-off last month the speculation intensified, with Aston Martin's Andy Cowell claiming Horner was contacting every team in the pitlane.

While Ferrari no longer appeared to be an option, in recent weeks it has been claimed that Ferrari chairman, John Elkann, a friend of Horner's, has been courting the Briton.

Asked about the speculation, Lewis Hamilton told reporters in Austin: "I don't know where the rumours have come from, so I can't really shed much light on that.

"These things naturally aren't helpful," he added. "I know everyone back at the factory is working incredibly hard, focused, and these sort of rumours can sometimes be distracting.

"The team have made it clear where things stand in terms of re-signing Fred," he continued. "Fred and I and the whole team are working really hard on the future of the team.

"For me it is really trying to keep the focus on the goal that's in front of us and building on next year's car, really continuing to build a foundation on this year so that next year we can have better execution and better overall performance. We are just having lots of meetings to make sure we sail in the right direction."

Asked if there was any truth to claims that Horner is even talking to the team, Hamilton said: "No, and I'm not going to entertain those rumours."