World champion Lewis Hamilton cannot envisage leaving Mercedes to join a rival Formula One team.

Hamilton left McLaren to link up with the Silver Arrows in 2013 and has been crowned F1 champion in each of the last two seasons, adding to his first triumph in 2008.

The Brit has endured a disappointing start to the 2016 campaign, failing to win a solitary race and sitting third in the standings - 43 points adrift of team-mate and championship leader Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton is contracted to Mercedes until 2018 and the 31-year-old has no desire to take another seat.

He told Sky Sports F1: "What I love about Mercedes when you look at Sir Stirling Moss, when you look at all drivers still today in their old age, they are still with Mercedes, you're with the brand for life,

"They take you under your wing, they look after you, you're part of it forever. I can't imagine myself not being a part of that."

Sebastian Vettel joined Ferrari from Red Bull last season, but Hamilton is not planning to follow the four-time world champion. 

"Without a doubt when I grew up watching F1 I saw the red car, it looked awesome," said Hamilton.

"A Ferrari, whether it's a road car or an F1 car, look awesome. There's something particularly very special with the Italian passion for that team. But I've been with Mercedes since I was 13, more than most drivers at my age.

"I honestly don't, at the moment, look over at Sebastian in the Ferrari and think 'damn it I want his seat'."