“We Want Lewis Hamilton, the Fastest Man in F1” – Toto Wolff

Earlier today, the Mercedes F1 team unveiled the livery for the 2020 season. Prior to this, team principal Toto Wolff spoke about a variety of subjects. One of them was the fog surrounding Lewis Hamilton and his future at Mercedes, beyond the end of 2020.

Admittedly, the six-time world champion’s contract concludes at the end of 2020. So there is a race involving Mercedes to sign a fresh deal. Speaking to the media, Wolff said: “We would like to have the fastest man in the car and I know Lewis wants to be in the fastest car, so there is an obvious mutual outcome.”

He also cleared up any contract speculations when he mentioned that he never spoke to Hamilton since the 2019 season ended. The Austrian confessed that he does not contact the drivers during the winter break. In fact, he mentioned that he last spoke to the Briton during the team’s Christmas party.

Meanwhile, Toto Wolff is also out of contract at the end of the season and his future is in doubt. However, it is understood that he and Hamilton will begin contract negotiations later this month. The 2020 Mercedes will be put through its paces for the first time on the 14th before pre-season testing on 19 February.

What is the situation with Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and Mercedes?

Mercedes’ own F1 contract also ends in the 2020 season. In spite of whispers, Wolff insisted that the team’s committment to F1 is for the long term.

Wolff also noted that he holds a 30% stake in the team. In addition to that, he runs Mercedes’ entire motorsport programme. In other words, he insisted that he and parent company Daimler are planning for the long-term.

He concluded, “So all sails are set for a successful future but, like with Lewis, we are in the middle of discussions and I wouldn’t want to live comment when things are going to be signed.”