Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari means that a cockpit will be free at Mercedes in the coming Formula 1 season. However, Toto Wolff still sees no reason to rush the succession planning.
“There is something that instinctively tells me not to rush into anything and I can’t even say what it is,” the team boss revealed in an interview with “Sky Sports”.
Back in February, Hamilton and the two teams officially confirmed that the Briton would drive for the Scuderia from 2025. Since then, speculation has been rife about the future of the Mercedes racing team.
There is a heated debate about whether the Silver Arrows are speculating on a transfer of Max Verstappen. The Dutchman still has a contract with Red Bull until 2028. However, the scandal surrounding Christian Horner and the departure of technology pioneer Adrian Newey are said to have put a strain on the relationship.
Toto Wolff apparently thinks it is conceivable that Verstappen will look for alternatives even after winning the Drivers’ World Championship again.
Is a young talent coming to Formula 1?
“I had a really good relationship with a driver called Nico Rosberg, who was at the peak of his career. He won a championship and then said he didn’t want to do it anymore. Things like that can happen,” recalled the Mercedes boss.
It also seems conceivable that Mercedes will rely on a young talent alongside George Russell in the coming season. Formula 2 driver Kimi Antonelli is a hot candidate.
His results crisis in the junior class does not change that, says Wolff. “It’s a data decision. If you look at Kimi, the team (Prema) has not really found good grip this year, which can happen. He is seventh and Bearman, who is clearly a very good driver, is 14th. They are both struggling with the car. That doesn’t mean one is better than the other, but they have struggled with the car in certain sessions. We see what he does with the F1 car. That is the most important thing.”
Source: www.sport.de
