Toto Wolff Can “Completely Relate” to Lewis Hamilton’s Remarks on Leaving F1

Lewis Hamilton notched up a 93rd career race win at Imola, in what was a relatively easy race for him. Building the gap at the front, the time difference was enough for him to finish ahead of Bottas, and ultimately seal the victory in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The results also meant that Mercedes, who only needed 11 points coming into the race, sealed their seventh straight 2020 Constructors’ title. They have now beaten Ferrari’s previous record of 6 consecutive championships.

However, the post-race comments from Hamilton involved an element of doubt, with speculation already rife over his future. The Briton admitted that racing in the 2021 season with Mercedes might not be a complete certainty.

Wolff thinks Lewis Hamilton will stay on with the team

However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff doubts if Hamilton will leave the team. He also thinks that those comments from his driver were more out of a flow of emotions than anything else.

Wolff said, “I guess if he were to decide to step out of Formula 1, which I don’t think is going to happen and I hope is not going to happen. Then I think we are going to have a pretty frantic driver market out there. 

“I think it’s the moment, it’s the emotions. We are all happy, but very tired also. I completely relate to his feeling that you question yourself that you think about all the other things that matter.” concluded Wolff.

Indeed, the drivers’ market rumors will completely change tides if Hamilton’s departure becomes a genuine possibility. This is especially true considering it was a given that he would extend his contract with Mercedes in the present year.

Where do Mercedes go from here?

As it stands, the only key person that has been confirmed to stay on for the 2021 season is driver Valtteri Bottas. There has so far only been a host of news surrounding the futures of Hamilton and indeed, Wolff himself.

Yesterday, Wolff spoke about how he would still continue to contribute to Mercedes. However, he did hint at a role change from being just a team principal in the paddock ahead of next year.

If Hamilton were to leave, it would present all kinds of opportunities to drivers looking for a seat. Now that Hamilton edges closer to his own milestone of a seventh Drivers’ title, it remains to be seen how he fits the pieces to this impending puzzle.