Reports in the build-up to the Singapore Grand Prix weekend linked Lowe with a surprise move to Maranello amid uncertainty about him extending his contract at Mercedes.

But the stories have been strongly dismissed by both parties, with Mercedes and Lowe himself adamant that there will not be a change.

Wolff said: “Paddy to Ferrari? This is news to me. If someone wants to leave, then you cannot stop them, but that is why I try to create a good working atmosphere in the team.”

Wolff later told Austrian television that he would not elaborate on the specifics of Lowe's contractual situation, but added: “I expect him to stay.”

Lowe himself told German publication Autobild: “I have not spoken with Ferrari and they have not talked to me. I work for a great team with great people, and I get along well with Toto Wolff. There is no reason to change for me.”

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel acknowledged that having someone of the calibre of Lowe joining Ferrari would obviously be a boost, but said that it would not happen because the Mercedes executive director was committed elsewhere.

“I know him a bit, but not too much as we haven't worked together so far,” he said. “But I think you must not make the mistake to underestimate people like Paddy Lowe.

“If somebody like him would be available, I think you have to think about it, for sure. But my understanding is he is not available, so it's not an option.”