Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff suggests long-term driver Lewis Hamilton could leave ‘in the next couple of years’
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Published 17/03/2023 at 23:01 GMT
Talk of Lewis Hamilton’s potential Mercedes departure has been rife in the days leading up to Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and team principal Toto Wolff has given the biggest indication yet that the seven-time F1 champion could be on his way out. Hamilton denied exit claims after frustrations with the development of the W14, but Wolff says he could leave “in the next couple of years”.
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says Lewis Hamilton could leave “in the next couple of years” if the team cannot deliver a competitive car.
Wolff - who is “absolutely confident” Hamilton will sign a new deal this year - understands that Mercedes are at risk of losing the seven-time F1 champion if their car does not improve.
It was reported that Hamilton was frustrated when Mercedes chose to “ignore” his concerns during the development of W14, the car currently being used by Mercedes drivers Hamilton and George Russell this season.
“If he wants to win another championship, he needs to make sure he has the car,” Wolff said. "If we cannot demonstrate we are able to give him the car in the next couple of years, he needs to look everywhere.
"I don't think he's doing it at this stage. But I will have no grouch if that happens in a year or two.
"I don't think that Lewis will leave Mercedes. He's at the stage of a career where we trust each other, we have formed a great bond among each other and we have no reason to doubt each other, even though this is a difficult spell.
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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 23: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff look on in the garage during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 23, 2023 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo
Image credit: Eurosport
"But so nice it will be when we come out of this valley of tears, and come back to solid performances."
Despite Hamilton’s frustrations, he told the press on Thursday’s media day that he has “100 per cent belief” in Mercedes, and has no “plans” to leave.
Wolff revealed that Mercedes and Hamilton were close to agreeing on a new deal.
"We are talking about when we want to do it and how," he said. "We just need to change some terms - the dates basically."
Hamilton finished 11th in Friday’s second practice session ahead of Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on the day the Mercedes driver announced the departure of his long-term physiotherapist.
The 38-year-old finished fifth in the season opener in Bahrain a fortnight ago as Red Bull clinched a one-two with reigning champion Max Verstappen pipping team-mate Sergio Perez to the top spot.
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