Sorry Seb…Mercedes ‘expecting’ Hamilton/Bottas

Jamie Woodhouse
Mercedes Concorde Agreement

Toto Wolff has insisted Mercedes are not yet ready to sign F1’s new Concorde Agreement by the August 12 deadline

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expects Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas to form their 2021 line-up, but Sebastian Vettel is an option.

Both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas’ contracts are set to expire at the end of the season, and no announcement has been made yet regarding the futures of either driver.

Hamilton it seems doesn’t have many options other than Mercedes, but Bottas has been linked with the vacant Renault seat for 2021 and Red Bull.

One driver who we do know will need to find a new team for 2021 is Vettel.

The four-time World Champion will depart Ferrari at the end of the year, a decision which we have now found out was totally Ferrari’s.

And while Wolff said Mercedes will “likely” continue with Hamilton and Bottas, Vettel is certainly in the picture if that doesn’t go to plan.

Speaking to Sky Germany, he said: “We are in a tricky situation, we are very happy with our current line-up and would like to continue with it.

“But you can’t write off someone like Seb. Maybe a driver doesn’t want to continue anymore and then Seb quickly becomes a factor.

“We’ll see how things develop in the next few weeks, but I expect we’ll continue with Lewis and Valtteri.”

Sebastian Vettel Merc logo
Sebastian Vettel Merc logo

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Vettel has said previously that the decision from Ferrari not to continue with his services came as a surprise.

And contrary to some of the rumours, he isn’t ready to retire, unless he can’t find a suitable drive.

A Mercedes seat would definitely be of interest to him, saying it is a “guarantee to be able to win”.

“I’m motivated and willing to achieve more,” he said.

To do so I need the right package and the right people around me. If the right opportunity should arise then it is quite clear.

“The Mercedes is the best car in the field and, to a certain extent, a guarantee for every driver to be able to win.

“But I don’t know what Mercedes’ plans are. I’m not in a hurry. Let’s see what the first races bring.”

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