The start of the 2023 Formula One season has undoubtedly been complex and disappointing for Mercedes. As was the case in 2022, the Brackley team has once again brought to the track (still believing in the ‘zero-pods’ philosophy) a slow and problematic car, incapable of allowing the Silver Arrows team to fight for significant results, instead relegating them to the role of the fourth force on the field in this first part of the F1 championship.
This situation has caused great disappointment within the team for failing in the project and has also generated discontent among the drivers, who are once again unable to compete for important results. During periods of technical crisis within a team, various rumors about the drivers start to circulate. Rumors that, portraying them as dissatisfied, suggest that the drivers are ready to explore other options and seek a change. Among these rumors, of course, there have been speculations about the possible departure of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes at the end of the current Formula 1 season.
This potential departure has been widely discussed, with suggestions that the seven-time World Champion might be leaning towards retirement (due to age, lack of results, and an expiring contract that has not yet been renewed) or, as was speculated yesterday by the British media, considering a new challenge in his career by moving to Scuderia Ferrari.
Reports from the ‘Daily Mail’ suggest that the seven-time champion is in talks for a future move (in 2024) in Maranello, driving the most famous car on the grid in an attempt to win an eighth title and surpass Michael Schumacher’s record of seven championships. These rumors have sparked a lot of discussion in a short amount of time, leaving many wondering whether they are truly founded or simply fabrications aimed at giving Lewis Hamilton more negotiating power at the table with Mercedes.
However, today the team principal of the Brackley team, Toto Wolff, intervened to clarify the matter. As reported by ‘Crash.Net,’ he downplayed these rumors, considering them normal during contract renewal discussions but lacking substantial basis.
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“These rumors emerge every two years when we have to sign a renewal. None of it is true; we are discussing normally, without any time pressure.” – the Austrian billionaire motorsport executive, investor, and former racing driver explained.
Toto Wolff then, to reinforce his stance, expressed his confidence that an agreement will be reached soon, while acknowledging a certain discomfort in having to talk about money with Lewis Hamilton, who is more than just a driver but a friend, if not a brother.
“It’s uncomfortable that two friends, two brothers who have gone through highs and lows for ten years, have to discuss money. I am convinced that we will come together again, there is no doubt. I can’t imagine otherwise. If we give Lewis a competitive car, he will win for a long time. Look at Tom Brady and what he is capable of at 40 years old.” – the Mercedes team principal pointed out.
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