Mercedes has denied warning the former world Formula One champion, Michael Schumacher, to improve his performances for the team next season or risk being sacked.
The 41-year-old, who won the last of his seven world titles in 2004, is struggling in 10th place in the World Drivers' Championships on his comeback season.
A report in the German newspaper Bild earlier this week, claimed Mercedes warned Schumacher that he risked being released from his contract if his performances did not improve next season.
But a director at the franchise, Norber Haug, says the claims are only an interpretation of what has been said, and there's been no ultimatum.
Haug says the company's happy with the work Schumacher's putting in.
Schumacher has won 91 Grand Prix in his career, but since returning to F1, he's finished no higher than fourth.
