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 has been a force to reckon with in Formula One. Repeatedly outclassing their competition is now normal for the Silver Arrows, with seven championships to justify that. However, team principal Toto Wolff has his hands full with driver lineups and team rumors at the moment.
Speculation continues to grow about Mercedes’ driver lineup for next season. With Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas yet to sign new contracts, there is a possibility for younger drivers to step into the team. In addition, rumors of Mercedes leaving F1 are developing with each passing day. The Austrian addressed these aspects of the team.
Toto Wolff gives a unique analogy to address Mercedes leaving F1
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The CEO of Mercedes used his quick wit to give a response to the rumor of Mercedes leaving the F1 grid.
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 12: Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff smiles as he speaks with members of the media next to St Kilda beach during previews to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix on March 12, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
In a chat with Motorsport.com, he said, “Every year we also hear rumors that aliens have landed on planet Earth. Let’s say that the certainties are that some aliens from the planet Mars have just landed here in Granollers (home of the Barcelona circuit) are the same as if Mercedes leaves Formula 1,” (Quotes translated from Italian by Google)
This statement clearly highlights Mercedes’ intention; they are here to stay.
READ MORE: Leclerc ‘Never Considered’ People Making Fun of Ferrari’s Dismal F1 Form
Will young blood take over at Mercedes next season?
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At 36 and 31 years of age respectively, Hamilton and Bottas are approaching the twilight of their careers. While they currently have the hottest seats in F1 at the moment, it might not be that way for too long.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – May 2, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after winning the race alongside third place Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
With an eye towards the future, Wolff said, “We always evaluate who might be behind the wheel of a Mercedes in the future. And since we have two Mercedes juniors, Esteban (Ocon) and George, we have to evaluate everything. I would add that we are also keeping an eye on other young guys who are emerging.”
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However, he stayed true to his loyalty to his current drivers, ” but having said that, today there are only two drivers driving a Mercedes and they are Valtteri and Lewis.”
With Lewis looking to extend his contract, there could be a shuffle in the driver lineup for Mercedes next season. Will they continue with Bottas? Will one of the junior drivers step up? Or, will a certain Dutchman switch allegiances from an Austrian outfit to a team with an Austrian team principal?
