Toto Wolff has been the aggressor from Mercedes in recent times who’s been firing shots at every possible team, especially Red Bull. Wolff said, “I’d rather lose a championship than cheat.”. However, Lewis Hamiton has come out to be the aggressor this time around as he fires fiery warning shots toward McLaren and Ferrari as he refuses to lose $11,000,000. What is the $11 Million that Hamilton is unwilling to lose?
Aston Martin and Mercedes looked like the two teams that would be competing for the 2nd place in the constructors. One would get the same thought if he/she looks at the standings right now. However, the reality is very different. Ferrari who struggled with tite degradation seems to have sorted the issue and is blisteringly quick. Also, McLaren showed up as a surprise package as the MCL60 leapfrogged from being a back runner to arguably the second-fastest car on the grid.
Amid all this Lewis Hamilton has the hopes that Mercedes will finish P2 as he’s not ready to lose $11,000,000. Some of you might ask what this $11 million is. Well, it’s the Prize money difference between P2 and P3 in the constructors championship. Going into the summer break, Hamilton fired a warning in McLaren and Ferrari’s direction suggested that he hopes to beat them and get close to Red Bull.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to Motorsport.Nextgen-Auto, Lewis Hamilton said “I’m sure McLaren will be strong in the second phase. Ferrari is working on its race pace and we are working. So, depending on the track, I am sure that there will be some movement in the positions. I hope we can beat them and get closer to Red Bull.” He further added “Yes, it is our goal, to ensure that the team occupies second place this year. We just have to give absolutely everything.” [translated via Google]
Read More: Lewis Hamilton & Co. Concoct Masterplan to Counter McLaren’s 2023 & Red Bull’s 2024 Threat
Whether Mercedes is able to beat Ferrari and McLaren is yet to be seen. But the development isn’t only crucial for the current year but also for the next year. The question that looms over Wolff’s head now is whether Lewis Hamilton will stay at Mercedes
Toto Wolff doing everything in his power to make Lewis Hamilton stay
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lewis Hamilton’s contract negotiations have been stretched way too long. Earlier it was just finer details, then became signing it over a coffee and now Wolff is doing everything in his power to make him stay? Recent reports suggest that Hamilton wants a 2+8!year contract. 2 years as an active racer and 8 years as an Ambassador. Toto Wolff advises that Hamilton is an integral part of the resurrection of the team.
According to the Desert Island Discs podcast, Toto Wolff said “I’m doing everything I can to make him stay. I think there is no need to persuade him. He knows about all the goodness and although we struggled with the car this year, and last year, he will be part of the resurrection of the team.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think Mercedes will finish P2 in constructors?
WATCH THIS STORY | How 10-year-old friendship between Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff is coming in the way of $35 million worth contract renewal