“No Better Hands Out There Than Lewis” – Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton

There are a number of questions surrounding Lewis Hamilton and his F1 future. Already, Sebastian Vettel’s future looks bleak, but will the 6-time world champion follow him. Though it may not happen, not if Toto Wolff has anything to say about it.

The Austrian told Sky Sports F1 that the German  outfit is in “good hands” and he expects Hamilton to sign a new deal. However, he also acknowledged that Mercedes needs to keep an eye on its “mid-to-long term” plans.

Mercedes has a disadvantage, because they do not have a set plan for the future, while their rivals have contingencies. Interestingly, even though Wolff admitted that talks with Lewis Hamilton are progressing swimmingly, he is eyeing Vettel.

Before that, Mercedes will be sure to limit their search to a more local level. In other words, its candidates will likely include Valtteri Bottas, and Mercedes juniors George Russell and Esteban Ocon.

Who could partner Lewis Hamilton or replace him?

The Mercedes team principal hinted that the younger drivers have a very strong chance of a promotion. In other words, the team is “spoiled for talent.”

However, Wolff said: “Yes, but we must not be complacent. Red Bull has two very talented drivers, Ferrari has very talented drivers – I think the combination they’ve chosen is very good.

“We need to make sure our short-term future is in good hands, and there are no better hands out there than Lewis’, and then our mid-to-long-term strategy is being considered. It’s not an easy situation but we are in a good place.”

The Austrian also spoke about Hamilton’s contract negotiations, and admitted that they have not begun talks yet. However, he is confident that when they do, all parties can reach a swift agreement.

He said, “The moment Lewis touches down back in Europe we will carve out what needs to be carved out. We have been together for eight years now and the agreements don’t need to be reinvented. There is a good basis and I believe we could come to a point pretty swiftly.”