Paddy Lowe has hit back at rumours linking him with a switch to Ferrari.

Italian newspaper La Stampa claimed that, with James Allison recently stepping down at Ferrari amid suggestions Mattia Binotto is only a temporary solution, leading Mercedes chief Lowe could be signed up.

"When someone of his calibre is available, of course you have to think about it," Sebastian Vettel had commented.

"But to my knowledge he is not available."

Germany's Auto Bild claims that Lowe's current contract actually expires at the end of the year, and the Briton would then have to serve a six-month period of 'gardening leave'.

However, Lowe insisted: "I am not talking to Ferrari and they are not talking to me.

"I am happy where I am. I work for a great team and with great people and I get along well with Toto Wolff. For me, there is no reason to change."

Ferrari currently trail second-placed Red Bull by 11 points in the constructors' championship.