Toto Wolff isn’t interested in a “Plan B” driver as he expects Lewis Hamilton to stay at Mercedes in 2024.
The seven-time world champion is out of contract at the Brackley-based outfit after this season and has been critical of the team after a disappointing start to the new season.
But when asked if he is making a contingency just in case Hamilton decides not to re-sign, Wolff made his feeling clear.
“I think it may sound naïve, but I really struggle to think of a Plan B, if my Plan A is still the one that is my favourite,” Wolff said in Australia.
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“I don’t want to engage in discussions with other drivers because I’m happy with the ones that are in the team, that’s for sure. At the moment, there is no Plan B. It’s Lewis.”
Mercedes was famously caught out by Nico Rosberg’s sudden decision to retire after becoming champion at the end of 2016, before replacing him with Valtteri Bottas for 2017.
Wolff though is certain Hamilton wouldn’t put the team in such a position again.
“I think that he would tell us early enough,” the Austrian stated. “I don’t think that Lewis would say: ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’m out of here tomorrow.’”
Back in Jeddah, the Mercedes chief suggested Hamilton could leave for another team “in a year or two” if an eighth world championship no longer seemed attainable with the German manufacturer.
Though Ferrari has often been touted as one destination, Red Bull boss Christian Horner gracefully ruled out his team as an option.
“What Lewis has achieved in F1 is second to none,” he said. “But we’re very happy with the drivers that we have.
“They’re committed as a pair not only this season but the next season as well. So, I can’t see where we would be able to accommodate Lewis.”
As it is, Horner believes Mercedes will get back to being in a position where Hamilton will be happy to stay put.
“I’m sure they’re going to sort their issues out – we’re certainly not writing him off yet,” added the Red Bull boss.
“We’re hearing about big Mercedes upgrades, I’m sure Ferrari isn’t happy with their current position as well.
“So, we’re fully expecting things to converge quickly.”
