“Lewis has never tried to influence”– Mercedes clarifies that Lewis Hamilton is not pressing for Valtteri Bottas, despite his recent comments.
With the emergence of George Russell to Mercedes rumours kicked off this year, Lewis Hamilton openly talked about Valtteri Bottas being his best teammate, and it would be better if he could continue.
It looked like an effort to lobby for Bottas’ stay in Mercedes, but Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff clarifies that Hamilton is not trying any such thing.
“Lewis is okay with both scenarios,” said the Austrian, “and he understands the pros and cons that speak for Valtteri and George. Lewis has never tried to influence the decision, and he has no preference as to who should be in the car.
“He likes the relationship with Valtteri, and we know it too. But he never said that he would like this or that best.”
The current duo is ideal.
Meanwhile, Wolff also accepted that the current partnership of Hamilton and Bottas is appropriate for Mercedes, as the Finnish race drivers tick all the boxes.
“To be honest, I feel like that we currently have the pairing that delivers best when it comes to balance in the team and the knowledge of how we can develop our car.”
However, Russell is set to be with Mercedes, as the Brackley based team has invested intensively in him, and his growth in Williams is reaching the stagnation point.
So, if Mercedes view a future with him, then they shall head towards the needed transition. Mercedes has already indicated that they would sort their lineup by the end of summer break.
They have already confirmed the services of Hamilton for the next two years. Now, it remains to be seen who will partner him.
