Mercedes' objective: to keep its driver duo in 2024

Since 2014, Mercedes et Lewis Hamilton form one of the most successful associations in Formula 1. After a trying end to the 2021 season for the Briton, the seven-time world champion still decided to extend his collaboration until 2023. Still with the 8th world title in his sights, Lewis Hamilton remains aware that it will be complicated to reclaim his crown this year. The 98-point delay on Max Verstappen might already be too important to exceed Michael Schumacher. If he wants to get ahead of the Red Baron, the Stevenage native will probably have to extend his adventure in Formula 1.

With his W13, the Briton has still not triumphed this season. Yet, Toto wolff, the team principal at Mercedes ensures that his driver remains focused on the team's objectives. “ I can say that within the team, Lewis is always very positive in his state of mind. The way the two work is truly impressive; in briefings, they regularly ask each other questions. I imagine it would be different if you were racing in the lead », Explains the Austrian. 

With a contract until 2023 at Mercedes and the statements of Toto Wolff, everything seems to coincide for an extension for Lewis Hamilton. But within the star brand, we believe that it is still too early to start discussions. “ We are in a good situation with Lewis and there is no doubt that we are entering the season and next with the same dynamic. But it's too early to discuss 2024. That said, I couldn't wish for a better pair of drivers “, says Toto Wolff.

Too early to already talk about a contract at Mercedes

Used to taking Mercedes to the top, Lewis Hamilton has had the spotlight stolen since the start of the season by George Russell. The newcomer to the team surprises with his consistency at the wheel of the W13. To the point that even if Mercedes is slower than Ferrari, the former pilot Williams ahead Carlos Sainz in the drivers ranking.

But with two podiums in a row, Mercedes seems to be on the right track towards its return to the forefront. “ It's great how both of them (Hamilton and Russell) really helped us progress and I'm happy for Lewis because he had bad luck on his side, he could have been on the podium a few times if the safety car hadn't played against him. »

However, could Lewis Hamilton regain the top step of the podium in front of his home crowd? Despite his enthusiasm, Toto Wolff remains cautious. “ I hope so, replies the Austrian when asked about a potential victory for his driver. Silverstone has done well for us in the past and the circuit is smoother than the last three, but it's not Barcelona. So now we have to manage our own expectations and really work, look at the data and find reasonable solutions, not just for Silverstone but for the future. » Answer in a week at the British Grand Prix. 

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