Toto Wolff Opens Up On Lewis Hamilton Leaving Mercedes: "There Is No Plan B"

Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed he is not considering an alternative driver for Lewis Hamilton in case he decides to leave the team.

The seven-time champion's contract with the Brackley-based squad is due to expire at the end of this season, and there has been a huge amount of speculation over what he will decide to do. Hamilton is passionate about continuing in the sport until he wins his eighth championship, however, Mercedes has been struggling with performance in the ground effect era.

The team struggled throughout 2022, which ended up being the first season in the British drivers career where he has not won a single race, and some of these issues have continued through to 2023.

There have been signs of friction within the team when Hamilton explained that he had told the team to take the car in a different direction for 2023, however, they chose to continue.

Despite the ongoing struggles, Hamilton has also confirmed that he would not look to leave the team, who he has been with for ten years. As well as winning six of his seven drivers' championships, he also works with the team to push for increased diversity and inclusivity in the sport.

During an interview with Autosport, the Mercedes chief explained:

"I think it may sound naïve, but I really struggle to think of a Plan B, if my Plan A is still the one that is my favourite.

"I don't want to engage in discussions with other drivers, because I'm happy with the ones that are in the team, that's for sure. At the moment, there is no Plan B. It's Lewis."

Wolff continued to add that he believes Hamilton would give them sufficient notice so they could find a replacement, as they have a strong relationship. He added:

"I think that he would tell us early enough.

"I don't think that Lewis would say: 'I can't do this anymore. I'm out of here tomorrow.'

"He would always feel the responsibility for the team. He wouldn't leave the team alone. Drivers can always take decisions [like that], but he wouldn't let us down.

"But then, I think if you believe that you're a team that is attractive for others, you will find solutions."

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