Mercedes “keeps its options open” in the transfer market

Toto wolff readily admits it. He was " be surprised » by the excitement of the 2021 transfer window even before the start of the season – the non-renewal of the contract of Sebastian Vettel with Ferrari, its replacement by Carlos Sainz, whose Daniel Ricciardo will succeed at McLaren.

The wind of madness that has blown through the transfer market in any case places the star firm in a rather comfortable situation since it can delay. Already because its centerpiece Lewis Hamilton will not go to Maranello, a scenario which was already unlikely in the first place. 

During an online press conference, the team principal Mercedes however, clarified that no progress had been made in the negotiations with the six-time world champion. 

« Lewis and I didn't see each other during quarantine because we were confined in different parts of the world but we were in regular contact, confided the Austrian.

We have not discussed an upcoming agreement. There is a lot of trust between us. We have worked together for so long. We never took the time to carefully examine the exact terms of the contract. Things happen naturally. 

When the competition resumes. We will spend time together, take the contract out of the drawer, look at the dates, the figures, etc. and I hope we will soon agree ». 

If Hamilton's extension at Mercedes is (very) probable, the identity of his teammate remains more uncertain. Since 2017, Valtteri Bottas fulfills the task perfectly, without overshadowing its leader, or making waves internally. Will the Finn have to prove himself again to maintain the trust of his employer?

Mercedes also has an asset up its sleeve named George Russell, whom the Star has placed in training with Williams, whose future in Formula 1 raises many questions. 

Finally, Wolff did not want to exclude the possibility of recruiting Vettel, he who remembers the surprise retirement of Nico Rosberg at the end of 2016. 

« When you have a four-time world champion on the market, you can't say " No " d'emblée, he justified himself when asked if he was just being polite to the German pilot. The question must be studied. We have a great driver duo and I am very happy with them. I am also satisfied with George's work and we are closely monitoring the situation at Williams. 

But you never know what could happen. One of them could decide to quit their career and you find yourself with a free seat. I don't want to say in June: “There’s no chance Sebastian will ride with us.” And I also keep in mind surprises like Nico Rosberg's decision. We are keeping our options open but focusing our efforts on our current drivers ». 

Now that many dominoes have already fallen, why hurry?