© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
After Mercedes announced that Lewis Hamilton’s contract has been extended until 2023, Toto Wolff says it’s “not going to be his last” contract.
After much speculation, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have finally agreed on a new two-year deal. However, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff doesn’t believe the partnership will stop there.
“I’m pretty sure it’s not his last contract,” the Austrian told Formula1.com.
“I think he always flirts with the thought that this may be the last contract and in a way it keeps the options open for the mind.
“[But] no that’s not going to be his last.”
After signing only a one-year extension for 2021, Wolff explains why the new deal is for two years.
“Two years is a good time because we are in the early stages of the ’21 season, so we are talking two and a half years. [There is] big regulatory change next year and stability’s important.
“His experience, his speed, and having that in the team is really a great asset.”
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Wolff goes on to explain the bond Mercedes and Hamilton share, but also his personal friendship with the Briton.
“We have established such a strong bond, also because we had difficult times with each other and we went through this, so it’s basically a transparent relationship.
“Above all it’s about performance; he wouldn’t want to be in a car that seems to underperform, and we wouldn’t want to have a driver that isn’t keen anymore.
“So I think we have great plans for the future; we have a tough battle this year, but we’re super motivated, and this partnership is set to continue and is more success to come.
“Personally, our relationship has developed, and beyond the fact that I wouldn’t wish for any other driver to be in the car, he has also become a friend,” concluded Mercedes’ team boss.
