Wolff's plan A: No plan B if Hamilton doesn't re-sign F1 deal
Apr.11 - Toto Wolff says he has no "plan B" in the event Lewis Hamilton does not sign a new contract with Mercedes beyond 2023.
Seven time world champion Hamilton, 38, has indicated he is keen on inking a new deal, but there have been rumblings Mercedes is reluctant to sign up for similarly lucrative terms with the Briton.
"Perhaps I sound naive," Mercedes team boss Wolff is quoted by Corriere dello Sport, "but I find it hard to think of a plan B if Plan A is still my favourite.
"I don't want to enter into conversations with other drivers because I'm happy with the ones we have. At the moment, there isn't a plan B.
"There's only Lewis," he insisted.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton
According to insiders, the delayed discussions are more about Hamilton's reluctance rather than Wolff's - despite the fact that the 38-year-old driver sounds keen to stay with the German marque.
Some believe Hamilton is unhappy with the request that he take a pay-cut rather than a pay-rise.
"I think he will tell us in advance what he wants to do," Wolff said. "I don't think Lewis will come to tell us that he is leaving overnight.
"The drivers of course have the right to make such decisions, but he will not abandon us like that. But at that point, if you think you are a team coveted by others, the right solutions will present themselves."
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I know its bored journalists, but its the stupid thing Christian has reportedly said
So, Tonto is admitting he isn't open to considering any options? Dame Lucille is a failing star - he is on a steady decline. Surely Tonto has realized he has options other than The Dame. And as far as I know, they haven't consummated a new contract with her. That tells me Mercedes management is considering options. Let's face it, there will come a day when Lucille will bid us all a tearful goodbye.
Anyone who mentions any driver in F1 like the terms you have used is a total wanker.
George has proved any respectable driver can handle a Merc Car, sir LEWY is NOT the Best of all time, and he's not worth the money he demands !!!!