Team boss Toto Wolff doesn’t believe Lewis Hamilton has a reason to leave Mercedes if they remain competitive in 2020.
The Briton is one of many leading drivers who are out of contract at the end of next year and recently, there has been speculation of a Ferrari move, even if Lewis himself has publicly ruled it out.
But as Hamilton closes on in Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 titles, Wolff believes a renewal should be straight forward when talks begin.
“As long as we are able to provide the winning car, Lewis has no reason to consider other teams — and we have no reason to look elsewhere,” he told The Sun newspaper.
“The relationship we’ve built is a very strong factor in keeping the team together and a real asset of the Mercedes F1 team.
“What we have said to Lewis is that we would like to finish the season on a high, breathe a moment and then discuss what happens in 2021.”
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One potential factor could be who his teammate will be as Valtteri Bottas is on a one-year deal and the name Max Verstappen isn’t often far away when considering alternatives.
The Austrian though admits that decision will only have Mercedes’ interests in mind.
“Loyalty and integrity is something that binds us together and the most important discussions about 2021 will be with Lewis and Valtteri,” he explained.
“Ferrari will also look at the options they have. They have a good line-up now that causes hiccups sometimes, so they will be thinking, ‘What do we want for 2021?’
“We’re having the same thoughts — what do we think is the perfect line-up for 2021?”
For now, though Hamilton remains the pearl of the German manufacturer and Wolff praised the 34-year-old’s ability to consistently improve.
“What impresses me is his ability to self-analyse and progress and to become a better man out of the car and a better drive in the car,” he said.
“If you think of the difficult moments we have had in the past, these things don’t happen any more because he is just so good at judging himself.”