“We will discuss it shortly” – Toto Wolff confirms Mercedes will get in talks with Lewis Hamilton for future beyond 2021, if the latter wishes to race further in F1.
Toto Wolff has dismissed suggestions Lewis Hamilton is not committed to the sport, as per Motorsport.com. This after Hamilton had a long contract standoff with Mercedes before finally agreeing on a one-year deal.
“No, no doubt about his commitment. First of all, he enjoys racing a lot. We enjoy working with each other and we discussed that a lot, but he’s absolutely right. Times change.
“I think it’s fair enough for a driver that has won seven Championships to give himself the flexibility in his mind to decide what he wants to do in the future. Whether this is racing or outside of the circus.”
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Listen as @LewisHamilton, @ValtteriBottas, Toto Wolff & more share insights from 10 years of racing 🏆 #UBSF1 #ShareUBS pic.twitter.com/T6IyRRHNGx
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Toto Wolff prepared to avoid third contract standoff with Lewis Hamilton
Wolff has also vouched to have any contract extension negotiations with Hamilton at the earliest. Both parties would do well to clear out their priorities by the time this season is done, especially considering the new era of F1 dawning next season. The Austrian is a huge fan of the reigning champion, and would ideally like him to continue.
“We have agreed we want to pick up the discussions much earlier this year, to avoid a situation like we had in 2020, to run out of time and be in the uncomfortable position that there is no time left before the beginning of the season.
“And that’s also why we only did a one-year contract, in order to allow us to discuss the future in racing and outside of racing longer and with the right amount of time. As a matter of fact, I think if Lewis continues to race, we will want to do this together. And we will discuss it shortly.
