Shifting teams causes a stir in the internet, across fandoms. Lionel Messi’s exit from Barcelona Football Club had its own effect. As tweets took over the internet, the Mercedes twitter admin took their shot, and as always, it landed perfectly. In the light of “silly season” at F1, does Mercedes have a seat for the football legend?
When Messi first told the club he’s leaving, Mercedes posted a comical screenshot of them approaching Messi in 2020. In the light of recent events, Mercedes revisited their old tweet, implying their seat is still waiting.
Leo. Call us. 👀 https://t.co/zdqjJrSTZU
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 6, 2021
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Important summer break for Mercedes
The announcement of Hamilton’s extended contract with the Brackley outfit left many wondering about his future teammate. The second seat at Mercedes has two main contenders – Valtteri Bottas and George Russell. Toto Wolff has spilled nothing regarding a bias towards either driver, allowing the speculations to rise. Wolff, however, promised to decide by the end of the break.
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A disastrous start to the Hungarian GP, people suspected that the collision would rob Bottas of his seat. Wolff commented, “No, the mistake was unfortunate with big consequences…it doesn’t influence at all the decision.”
After Hamilton’s announcement, the team boss revealed, “[We are] also happy Valtteri’s racing in Austria, in my opinion, was really good and he needs to consolidate that. He’s a known factor. In the same way, we know the strength and weaknesses of George, and that decision is going to be made during the summer.”
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A week into the break, and there’s no news from the Mercedes office. Wolff and his team must choose between the incumbent Bottas and the budding Mercedes junior. If the Finn stays, 2022 will mark his sixth season with the Silver Arrows while Russell will certainly stay will Williams. However, if the Williams driver gets the coveted seat, it is believed that Valtteri may move to Alfa Romeo.
Regarding the two drivers, Wolff said, “We value them both for their strengths and for what they can contribute to the team.”
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As Wolff makes his decision, all eyes are on the sister W12, and who will be the champion’s teammate.
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