Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s early announcement of his departure from the team put them in a difficult position, hindering their ability to secure a top-tier replacement.
With Hamilton’s decision coming sooner than expected, Mercedes found themselves scrambling to find a suitable driver to fill the void. Key targets like Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc had already committed to long-term deals with their respective teams, leaving Wolff with limited options.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, was not a viable option, given his strong ties to Red Bull. Fernando Alonso, another experienced driver, was approached but ultimately chose to extend his contract with Aston Martin. Other potential candidates, such as Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, were also considered but did not materialize into concrete opportunities.
In Mercedes’ recently released book, “Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane,” Wolff candidly discusses the challenges posed by Hamilton’s timing. He acknowledges that while he had anticipated Hamilton’s departure, the early announcement limited his ability to react and pursue alternative options.
Despite the setback, Wolff remains pragmatic about the situation. He emphasizes that the decision was purely business-related and does not affect his personal relationship with Hamilton. The two have shared numerous successes together and maintain a strong bond, even as they embark on separate paths in Formula 1.