Wolff: Mercedes not considering rival drivers
- Published on 03 May 2018 16:21
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Mercedes' boss Toto Wolff says that Mercedes is not considering rival drivers for the 2019 season. Both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are out of contract at the end of the year, however it is believed that Hamilton is close to extending his stay at the Silver Arrows.
Question marks linger over the future of Bottas, who joined the team in 2017. The Finn has put in an impressive display over the course of the first four races of the current season, despite being hit with some poor luck.
Mercedes currently has three drivers signed up to its young driver programme. Esteban Ocon, Pascal Wehrlein and George Russell are all a part of Mercedes' F1 junior crew, with Ocon being the only driver currently racing in F1.
And Wolff says that when it comes to its line-up in the future, it will most likely be looking to recruit from within the team, rather than sign drivers from rival teams Ferrari and Red Bull.
"We are not looking at drivers outside of Mercedes at the moment because, first of all, we need to give our support to our two guys, that's the priority," Wolff said. "It's like if you're happy with your wife, you don't look elsewhere! We are with our two wives - or three [including Ocon] - and we are not looking at that.
Wolff says that time will provide a clearer picture of who is best suited for a seat with the reigning champions next year: "Give us a few more races, [let us] start the European season properly, go to Canada, and then the intense July, and I will have a better view."
Wolff expressed his relaxation over the future of the team's line-up saying that with its current racers and junior members, it has nothing to worry about: "It's a good problem to have," Wolff said about struggling to find the pick of the bunch.
"We are very satisfied with how Valtteri has been going these days and Lewis we don't need to talk about -- he's the best of the current drivers in my opinion and then you have these kids growing up like Ocon and George. I am optimistic about the future Mercedes line-up."
And as for Hamilton's contract, Wolff said: "We haven't talked now for a few days or few weeks because it was so intense in getting our act together with the team and all our priority has been concentrated on that, and this is what we do. We are very well aligned in what we expect from each other in the future and it's just finding the time to sit down."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (12)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
So you choose to play it safe? I dont blame you, seeing as what happened last time, but it does disappoint me. Which is why I hope Bottas steps it up and legit challenges Hammy.
Hepp
Posts: 200
Spot on Calle.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Bottas is getting better. I think that if he manages to successfully increase his level of aggression without compromising control, I can see him getting into the mix. The reality is that he should be in the mix if he had managed to win the Baku race.
reg
Posts: 162
Bottas is outperforming Hamilton at present, he's a much more mature driver too (and person)
Just hope he can keep it up!
Hepp
Posts: 200
Agreed, BUT ... I don't underestimate Louise either (as much as I dislike his arrogance). Ham and Bot should be equal soon... Spain may be a fight for pride.
Hepp
Posts: 200
And Ham did admit that Baku was Bottas race winner.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Same, I hope we'll see Vettel vs Bottas this year.
RogerF1
Posts: 501
If Bottas consistently out performs Hammy, Hammy will get all spooked by conspiracy again and get all mardy.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
Bottas will not be allowed to outscore goldenboy, Toto won't allow it.
Norbert
Posts: 108
Love the “spooked” reference. Nice one. Numbers show that looking farther afield to potential sabotage was not tin foil hat territory by any stretch. Odds said look for a reason. From package handling to a disgruntled technician with access. Whatever. By my count race killing failures Ham/Ros was 7/0 or 100:1 against how 2016 unfolded. A crazy fluke season that would make any bookie uneasy.
Samouri
Posts: 25
HEPP.....Arrogance for some, seem to be a trait for any black athlete. When entering a sport that is white dominated, and especially when they turn out to be so damn good.
ZUKMAN
Posts: 40
Aaaand Ricciardo's dream about Mercedes seat is gone.