4 Mercedes Drivers not a Problem for Toto Wolff

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is of the opinion that working out ways to give multiple drivers Formula 1 seats next season is a “good problem to have”.

Both of his wards, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are in need of new deals beyond 2018. Meanwhile Mercedes junior Esteban Ocon is awaiting a chance for a promotion.

Yet another option is Mercedes reserve driver George Russell. The British driver has said that Mercedes will help him into F1 next season, pending a good performance in Formula 2.

Wolff said: “It is a good problem to have. We are very satisfied how Valtteri has been going these days, and Lewis we don’t need to talk about – he is the best of the current drivers in my opinion.

“Then you have these kids growing up, like Ocon and George. I am optimistic about the future Mercedes line-up.”

Hamilton and Mercedes have already expressed interest in renewing their relationship.

“We haven’t talked for a few days or few weeks because it was so intense getting our act together with the team and all our priority has been concentrated on that,” Wolff said in Azerbaijan.

“But we are very aligned with what we expect from each other in the future and it is just finding time to sit down.”

Bottas was roped in in the aftermath of Nico Rosberg’s sudden retirement after winning the 2016 world championship.

The Finn was granted a one-year extension for 2018 and strong form has improved his chances of inking a new deal.

Wolff said that they are limiting their search to Mercedes drivers at the moment. He said that it was to support their juniors.

“It is like if you are happy with your wife, you don’t look elsewhere! Give us a few more races and then I will have a better view.”

Mercedes also said that the door was “open” for a Wehrlein F1 return.