Former F1 driver Marc Surer believes Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension with Mercedes hinges on Toto Wolff’s next move. Surer is of the opinion that Lewis Hamilton will remain at Mercedes should Toto Wolff do the same. Wolff’s future at Mercedes has been a topic of discussion as of late due to recent developments suggesting a possible rift within the team.
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Will Toto Wolff commit to Mercedes?
While many drivers and experts are urging Hamilton to switch to Ferrari, Surer believes Hamilton should stay put at Mercedes. The Briton’s contract with the Brackley outfit expires at the end of 2020 but there’s a high chance of a renewal. As much as Mercedes influences Hamilton’s decision, Toto Wolff also has an undeniable influence on the Briton.
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Like Hamilton, Wolff’s future at Mercedes is also up in the air after this season. The Austrian hinted at leading the Brackley outfit for the short term but may be considering other options. According to several rumors, Wolff and Ola Kallenius (head of Daimler) don’t see eye to eye which many claim is a cause for concern regarding the Austrian’s future.
Additionally, Wolff recently invested in Aston Martin, purchasing a small stake in the British manufacturer. Several rumors linked Toto with a role at the returning British team, which Wolff vehemently dismissed. Nevertheless, Toto’s long term plan could be a factor that influences Hamilton’s future choices.
Surer also believes the upcoming budget cap could force Hamilton to rethink a Mercedes renewal. Can Mercedes continue to dominate with a drastically smaller financial margin?
Wolff’s influence on Lewis Hamilton
Speaking to SpeedWeek, Surer said:
“I think Hamilton’s decision depends more on what happens at Mercedes. He may also feel that the relationship between team boss Toto Wolff and the new Daimler boss Ola Källenius is no longer as close as before between Wolff and Dieter Zetsche. With these two I always had the feeling that they are a heart and a soul”
“It may or may not be a coincidence that Toto Wolff is privately involved with Aston Martin as an investor. However, Hamilton may feel that this great Mercedes era in Formula 1 is coming to an end. A superiority may not be that great anymore if you have to work with a budget cover. I can well imagine that Hamilton ponders a lot”
As things stand, Lewis Hamilton has no reason to consider switching to a different team. The Briton has a great car that can power him to a record-equaling seventh World Championship. However, could Toto Wolff’s alleged strained relationship be a cause for concern?
