Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has been coy on its options to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton, citing that the team has been “bit” by the timing of the news.
Mercedes had appeared to lock down its driver line-up beyond 2024 with the confirmation last August that Hamilton and George Russell had agreed two-year deals.
However, the German marque was stung by Hamilton’s recent admission that he was activating a break clause in his contract to complete a shock switch to Ferrari in 2025.
But when asked about the potential options to fill the soon-to-be vacated position, Wolff outlined that Mercedes’ is primarily fixated on the upcoming campaign with Hamilton.
“I think first we need to say what is our main focus, is on the 2024 season now,” Wolff told media including Motorsport Week. “We have two excellent drivers, we have Lewis in his final year at Mercedes and George [Russell], eager to go back in the car and perform.
“We need to put the car on the track that has more pace than last year’s car and we know how difficult it will be to compete not only with Red Bull but also the other ones.”
Wolff believes that the gossip over who will succeed Hamilton has seen Russell become underestimated and is convinced he can step up in his compatriot’s absence.
The Briton has been associated with Mercedes since 2016 and is responsible for bagging the team’s sole win in the two years under the current ground effect regulations.
“Also of course with all the Lewis discussion something that has not been talked enough is George,” he asserted.
“George has the potential to be the next lead driver in the team, he’s of the generation of Lando [Norris] and [Charles] Leclerc and some of the others, and I couldn’t wish for a new team leader when Lewis leaves, no doubt about that, so we have such a solid foundation such a quick and talented and intelligent guy in the car that we just need to take the right choice for the second driver, the second seat.
Wolff admits Mercedes’ choices have been slashed with the recent confirmation that Ferrari and McLaren have tied down Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris respectively.
But the Mercedes boss has touted that he also sees change as a chance “to do something bold” when it comes to deciding upon who will partner Russell from 2025.
“That’s not something I want to be rushed in [making a decision],” he continued. “I guess that a few contracts have been signed a few weeks ago that we could have looked at, that could have been interesting, but timing here bit us a bit.
“But in a way I always like change because change provides opportunity and in the same way we’ve embraced the Nico [Rosberg] situation, and that was equally from one moment to the other unexpected, I’m really looking forward in taking the right decisions for the team together with my colleagues in who’s going to be in the seat next year, and maybe it’s a chance to do something bold.”
Wolff admits that the knowledge of having Russell penned down for the foreseeable future will grant Mercedes the time to assess the available candidates on the market.
When asked what Mercedes was looking for in its next driver signing, Wolff replied: “First of all, having George in the seat is great for the team. He’s been going toe to toe with Lewis the last two seasons. There was nothing between them and knowing that we have a driver at that level makes the decision for the second seat much more comfortable.
“I haven’t really properly reflected with the team on where we want to go. From a rookie to very experienced because I don’t know yet what is the best for any potential driver coming or for the team going forward.
“Let me say, if you told me two days ago that Lewis would be going to Ferrari I didn’t think it was possible. Situations and things can change quickly.
“Contracts are only as good as the driver or the teams want to race and who knows what’s happening in the driver market that could be unexpected or opportunities for us.”
