Despite having been crowned World Champion this and last year, having two Lewis Hamiltons in a team wouldn’t be the dream driver line-up, according to Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.
In fact, Wolff believes it would cause the team to “explode”, but added having two Nico Rosbergs wouldn’t be ideal either and reckons their current line-up is “ideal” as they compliment one another.
“If we had two Hamiltons, the team would have probably exploded,” the Austrian told Auto Motor und Sport. “Two Rosbergs would not make it easier though.
“The combination of the two is quite good,” he added. “It is the ideal situation, even if it sometimes makes life hard. They are so different, they have an individual approach. This helps us to be better.”
Meanwhile Wolff says the team have made little progress deciphering why Hamilton was beaten comprehensively by Rosberg in the latter races of the season.
“There has been much discussion [about it],” he said. “Psychology plays a major role. Lewis has achieved his goal, bagged the title and then relaxed a bit. Although that has perhaps only taken place subconsciously.
“At the same time I do not want to detract from Nico’s performance. He showed in the last races a great performance. I think that’s good, because we have two great drivers in the team for next year, both will be back to peak performance.
“This is a key to success for us. They both inspire and bring the team forward. Although it caused many gray hairs.”
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