Mercedes has made clear it does not believe confidential information regarding its power unit made it into the possession of rivals Ferrari as its legal action against engineer Benjamin Hoyle continues.
Mercedes has alleged Hoyle made copies of sensitive engine data after he informed his employers of his decision to leave the team. Hoyle was linked to a move to Ferrari, but the Italian team has since distanced itself from the accused and confirmed he did not have a contract to work at Maranello.
On Tuesday Mercedes issued a statement saying it does not believe Ferrari had any involvement in Hoyle's actions.
"There are ongoing internal investigations, regarding confidential information being removed from Mercedes by Mr Hoyle, in order to protect against potential damage to both Mercedes and any company which could potentially receive such information," the Mercedes statement read. "Mercedes will continue with these investigations until it can conclude that all the confidential information is recovered, which is anticipated to take a further 2-4 months.
"The investigation has shown no reason to believe that information has been transferred to Ferrari nor have any of the court documents made any allegation regarding any inappropriate conduct by Ferrari.
"Mercedes will continue to protect its interests, including carrying on the legal proceedings against Mr Hoyle, and to continue to protect against potential inappropriate transfer of confidential information within the motorsport industry."