Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says his departure from Mercedes wouldn’t hinder Lewis Hamilton’s ability to keep on winning world championships.
The team has not announced a new contract for Hamilton for the 2021 F1 season, and Wolff said he is in “a moment of reflection” over his own future at the team.Last year Hamilton said he was concerned Mercedes could “go the wrong way” if Wolff left. However Wolff said his future plans needn’t have any bearing on Hamilton’s.
“I think Lewis staying at that moment is the best he can and it’s what he wants to do,” he said. “He has the possibility of achieving great success going forward, winning more races and hopefully championships.
“It’s flattering that he says that it’s dependent on what I do but I think he doesn’t need me, he has a great team there that will always support him.”
Wolff said he hasn’t taken a decision on his future yet. He has discussed his plans with his wife Susie Wolff, who is team principal of Formula E squad Venturi, and Ola Kallenius, the board chairman of Mercedes owner Daimler.
“These are discussions that are ongoing and that are positive and I enjoy them,” said Wolff.
“I don’t want to give it a spin that I am leaving because that’s not the case. It’s just that I’m in a moment of reflection, of reflection of where Formula 1 is heading to, what is happening around the Covid case.
“And also personal reasons, that I’ve said before. Susie is in a good place, running a Formula E team and that means she’s away a lot. I’ve been to God knows how many races, I think 120 Formula 1 races in the last eight years, and that is something we’re thinking about.”
Last year Wolff missed his first race since 2013 when he chose not to attend the Brazilian Grand Prix.
“I really have enjoyed many years in Formula 1 in that role and the discussions that we are having are very good,” Wolff added. “I’m happy that my relationship with Ola is probably as good as it can be and we speak almost every day.
“There are many factors that make me want to stay in Formula 1. On the other side, it takes a toll and this plays into my consideration. But as it stands, there is no reason not to continue with Mercedes and we will find out in which role.”
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Mayrton
15th August 2020, 9:12
That last sentence from Toto is interesting. In which role…
Balue (@balue)
15th August 2020, 9:19
Basic negotiating tactic from Wolff, nothing else.
Neil (@njf03)
15th August 2020, 9:26
This may be a tactic that helps both Hamilton and wolff with their respective negotiations.
‘I’m not signing if he’s not signing’ creates a circle of payrises.
I can never fathom what difference another few million makes to the super rich.
OOliver
15th August 2020, 10:19
Or Wolff hinting he doesn’t have much time left in F1.
ruliemaulana (@ruliemaulana)
15th August 2020, 10:12
Was there gardening leave rules for Wolff before he became Liberty CEO?
falken (@falken)
15th August 2020, 10:30
Two year sabbatical
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
15th August 2020, 12:32
@ruliemaulana
He has been already vetoed by Ferrari for that position. Camilieri made it clear that Ferrari won’t accept Wolff as an F1 CEO.
RocketTankski
15th August 2020, 12:31
‘Lewis you will be just fine without me. I have recommended that they hire Flavio. He can bring Alonso with him too. A new teammate for you. Won’t that be exciting!’
Gigantor (@kbdavies)
15th August 2020, 13:02
Toto Wolff will be leaving Mercedes to head up Aston Martin. This is why he is working hard to make them RP a competitive team by selling them Mercedes IP and hiring Sebastián Vettel, before he gets there.
Lewis is definitely going to find himself at Mercedes without Wolff at some point in the future. In fact, I’ll wager the Wolff angle is what is delaying his contract negotiations.
It is a given that there are certain issues that are already known within the team management, Mercedes, Wolff, and Hamilton, that isn’t known to the fans and outside worl.
Thus, it is important to note that statements like Wolff just made are always are never a true representation of what is actually going on, or what has been decided.
Balue (@balue)
16th August 2020, 5:26
@kbdavies He mentions as a consideration for his position the scenario where Mercedes goes from great to good, so even a step down from total domination in Mercedes will likely not be acceptable and going to a midfield team will therefore be totally out of the question.
David Bondo
16th August 2020, 9:12
He’s not a very good liar. Talking like a man with one foot out the door.
Since the RP fiasco broke out Wolff has been talking like a guilty man, defending RP to the hilt.
It speaks of Wolff’s arrogance to think he could pull these stunts with RP and not have any of it stick to his reputation and that of Mercedes. Total conflicts of interest.
Daimler will be furious and have him in their crosshairs. Wolff will jump before he is pushed.