Hamilton wants to know Wolff’s plans before deciding

Michelle Foster
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes nominated for Laureus Awards.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes nominated for Laureus Awards.

Lewis Hamilton has revealed his plans for 2021 and beyond could depend on Toto Wolff, who has been linked to a move away from Mercedes.

Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 and has since won five World titles with the Brackley squad, wrapping up his sixth overall last time out in Austin.

Although the partnership has proven to be one of the most successful in F1’s history, Hamilton has yet to commit to Mercedes with his current contract expiring at the end of next season.

Hamilton is keen to start talks regarding an extension.

“When you’ve been with a team for so long, we are kind of joined at the hip,” Hamilton told F1i.com.

“All that detail can take its time. But you need to set some time aside to say ‘where are we, what’s the next goal, what else are we planning?'”

One of the big plans he would like to know about is Wolff’s thoughts about his own future.

The Mercedes motorsport boss has been linked to Chase Carey’s job at Liberty Media with several sources claiming he’s the number one choice to succeed the American.

Before committing to Mercedes, Hamilton wants to know what Wolff will be doing.

“It’s a difficult one because I know being stuck in one position for too long cannot always be a positive, so I always want people to spread their wings and do what is best for their careers, and only he knows what that is,” he continued.

“But as a business you need to have the right people in place, and he has been the right person – it has been the perfect match.

“So, I don’t particularly want him to leave if I’m staying in the sport but ultimately that’s going to be his choice.

“This team is not one person. It’s a huge group of people. But it is important to me and I am waiting to see where his head is at.

“The sport could also be in a good place with someone like him running it but I don’t know if that’s more of a fun experience.”

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