via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Mercedes’ Team Principal Toto Wolff during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Mercedes’ Team Principal Toto Wolff during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
Mercedes have still haven’t announced their second driver for the 2022 season to pair Lewis Hamilton. Team Principal Toto Wolff had earlier stated that the team would announce their decision during the summer break.
But it looks like we, along with Valtteri Bottas and George Russell, will have to wait a bit longer. While Wolff isn’t announcing who they are hiring as Hamilton’s teammate for next year, he’s very certain about who they’re not hiring.
WATCH STORY: Biggest Pitlane Mishaps Featuring Hamilton, Raikkonen & Verstappen
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Toto Wolff has no no plains to poach Max Verstappen
As reported by GPFans, Wolff stated Mercedes are not looking for a driver outside their talent pool. He clarified he is not interested in poaching Max Verstappen from Red Bull
“I think that Verstappen and his entourage are very happy where they are.” said Toto.
via Getty
CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA, MONTMELO, SPAIN – 2019/05/10: Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff in pit lane during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Spain. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“Red Bull is their team and is their home, and why not keep it like that? I think we have our plans with our drivers, and Ferrari has a great line-up, and Lando Norris at McLaren looks pretty settled, so I think the trajectory is set.” said Wolff.
Read More: Is George Russell a pay driver?
There might be a delay in the announcement of Mercedes’ second driver
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Mercedes had stated that it was monitoring the progress of both Bottas and Russell carefully and will make the decision after the summer break. But Wolff has hinted that the decision may get delayed till September.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – April 18, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and Williams’ George Russell in action during the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
“We have to choose between the stability of Valtteri And the talent of George, where the future lies. I want the matter to be dealt with in September so that both of them can position themselves properly for the coming season,” said the Mercedes team principal. (Translated via Google Translate)
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Russell and Bottas will look to put in a strong performance in the upcoming triple header to make a statement. The next three races could prove pivotal for both drivers, as the margin for slipups will be slim.
Who would Mercedes go for in 2022? Let us know.
