Toto Wolff sees “no reason” why Lewis Hamilton would want to leave Mercedes after 2021.
Currently, the seven-time world champion is signed to a one-year contract only at the Brackley-based team, a deal that was only reached back in February after Covid-related delays.
But speaking last week in Portugal, Hamilton explained his decision to take part in a recent Pirelli tyre test at Imola was motivated by his “plan” to be on the grid for F1’s new era in 2022, comments that pleased his Austrian boss.
“Yes, there is no reason why not. It is the best place to be,” Wolff told Sky Sports on if Lewis would re-sign at Mercedes.
Also Read:
- ‘Too early’ for Hamilton to retire, as Mercedes ‘very much hope’ for new deal
- Wolff on possible tension between Russell & Hamilton: ‘I can imagine it’
“He has been with us for a long time. I think as long as we can provide the outlook for a competitive package, I see no reason why we shouldn’t be together and continue the marriage.
“It came out in public what we have already discussed in private and I am happy about that.”
After the very late talks this year, however, Toto is keen to get the ball moving with talks as soon as possible.
“We learned our lesson that we wouldn’t leave it until the Christmas holidays, that was definitely taking it too far,” he was quoted by Crash.net.
“I think we are in a very good place and our relationship is growing stronger every year. It’s about time to give it a little nudge and start to speak and this is what we are going to do soon.”
As for who would partner Hamilton, that remains a far more uncertain picture with Valtteri Bottas under pressure due to the performances of Mercedes junior George Russell.
“I hope one day that I wake up and it becomes clear,” Wolff said via GPFans.
