Priority to Mercedes starters in discussions for 2022

The 2021 season has not yet started and the 2022 campaign is already on everyone's minds. Between the coming aerodynamic revolution and a potentially very lively transfer market, there is no shortage of intrigue. 

One of the big topics of conversation concerns Sir's contract extension Lewis Hamilton for one year only. On the sidelines of the launch of the new W12, the seven-time world champion raised the issue, without opening up too much. 

« I am in a privileged position in the sense that I have managed to achieve most of the objectives that I had set for myself until then, commented Hamilton. I don't really need to look very far into the future. We are going through unusual times so I only wanted one more year of contract. We'll see this season if we continue after this ». 

A little later in the day, the Briton assured that he was still as motivated and passionate about motor racing, but he also underlined how much his fight against inequalities and for the promotion of diversity was close to his heart . 

Valtteri Bottas, his long-time teammate, is also coming to the end of his contract at the end of the coming season. So that Mercedes finds itself without guarantees at the dawn of a major regulatory upheaval.

« I can always jump in the car to grab a seat, joked Toto wolff, team principal, CEO, and co-shareholder of the German team. If Lewis wishes to continue in F1, it would be logical for it to be with us. As for Valtteri, we know what he brings to the team ". Translation: big points and no headache. 

The Austrian manager says Brackley's starters will have priority in future contract discussions, while specifying that he wants to start negotiations, particularly with Hamilton, much earlier than last year. to avoid finding yourself in the uncomfortable situation of 2020 ». 

What about Max Verstappen in the equation? Chrstian Horner, team principal Red Bull, recently said his star driver was probably at the top of the list at Mercedes to replace Hamilton if necessary. 

« Max is a superb talent and he will be on everyone's radar but we are not flirting with the outside world until we have reached a mutual agreement with our current drivers “, retorted Wolff when asked about the comments of his Red Bull counterpart. 

The Etoile boss also has up his sleeve the asset George Russell, who proved last year during his luxury stint at the Sakhir GP, that he was cut out for the highest echelons of the grid.

« We will have to make the best decisions for the future of the team “, summed up Wolff on the eve of a pivotal season.