“Complete Sh*t. I’ve Never Called…”: Toto Wolff Rubbishes Replacing Lewis Hamilton With Arch Rival Stories After Horror End to 2022

The situation at Mercedes currently is not looking good. The W14 has not performed to expectations, and in some ways is a regression from the troubled W13 even. On top of all of this, the Silver Arrows are running the risk of losing the greatest ever driver to have ever driven a Formula 1 car. Lewis Hamilton, 38, arguably has eyes only on that elusive 8th world championship title that would cement his GOAT status without a shadow of a doubt. But with the current mess Mercedes finds itself in, does Hamilton have the patience to stick around?

Back in 2022, the chatter about Hamilton potentially hanging up his racing helmet was at an all-time high. The 7x champion himself put those rumors to rest while signaling his intent to stay in this sport for a few more years. That being said, the entire narrative with respect to Hamilton’s future has since changed. Sensationally, he’s been tipped to ditch Mercedes to seek newer pastures elsewhere. Naturally, you’d expect Toto Wolff to be on the lookout for a replacement, just in case.

Motorsport.com posed this exact question to Wolff. According to their sources, the man on Wolff’s radar was Red Bull‘s, Sergio Perez. But how much truth hid behind this information? Wolff clarified, “It’s complete sh*t. I’ve never called Sergio [Perez]. He’s a good guy and I respect him, but I’ve never spoken to him and I haven’t been in contact with any other rider.” [translated via Google Translate]

“Lewis and I, even faced with a not very encouraging scenario like the beginning of this season, are always aligned in wanting to try to improve things and in wanting to be together next year.” 

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But after another disappointing outing at Jeddah, is Hamilton motivated enough to stick with the Silver Arrows?

Lewis Hamilton gives an update on his Mercedes future after Saudi Arabian disappointment

After only two races into the season, it’s pretty safe to say that Hamilton will not be challenging for the title this year. And this revelation won’t be lost on the Brit either. In light of Mercedes’ continued struggles, does Hamilton really wish to associate with the team in the future?

After the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Hamilton finished 5th and half-a-minute behind Perez, he said, “I don’t envisage being anywhere else, I don’t see myself quitting. I wouldn’t say it’s giving me a lot. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt,” as quoted by The Mirror UK.

“But I am trying to be patient and work with the team to get us to a good place. I couldn’t get any more out of the car today but I must keep trying,” concluded the 38-year-old.

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If an 8th title is what Hamilton wants, is staying at Mercedes the right option?