Wolff evasive on future even though he has 'no reason' to leave Mercedes

The transfer window does not only concern drivers. Uncertainty also hangs over the pit wall, particularly at Mercedes where the current contract of Toto wolff, team principal and shareholder of the German manufacturer’s team, expires at the end of the current season. 

Asked ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix to find out where the discussions were with Ola Källenius, the big boss of Daimler, the Austrian manager, who led Mercedes to a sextuple Drivers-Constructors double unprecedented since 2014, made comments evasive to say the least. In any case between the lines. 

« I have taken great pleasure in my role for years in Formula 1, confided Wolff. We have great discussions on the subject with Ola and our relationship has never been better. We talk almost every day. There are several factors that want me to stay in F1. 

On the other hand, it’s a position that drains a lot of energy. At present, there is no reason not to continue with Mercedes. We want to do what is best for the team and continue to make it prosper.

I really like this role, I love the people, the atmosphere in the different meetings and the garage, the interaction with our partners, but I don't want to find myself in a situation where we go from one status of excellence to a scenario where we are just good ».  

• « Lewis doesn't need me »

While Valtteri Bottas has already been renewed for 2021, Lewis Hamilton believed at Silverstone that the current health and social climate was not conducive to negotiating a lucrative extension. The six-time world champion has also often linked his future at Brackley to that of his boss, who arrived at the same time as him in the team in 2013. 

Flattered, Wolff nevertheless urges his star driver not to wait for his own decision to make a decision. 

« Lewis would make the best decision by staying on the team, he added. He has the opportunity to continue his dynamic of success by winning other victories and other titles, I hope. It's very flattering to hear that his decision depends on mine but Lewis doesn't need me. He is surrounded by a wonderful team who will always support him.

I don't want to let people think I'm leaving. I'm just in a thinking phase. I want to see what direction F1 is taking, monitor the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic, and I also need to discuss it with my wife. Susie takes care of a horse stable Formula E (Venturi Racing) and is not often at home. And I have participated in I don’t know how many races over the last 8 years. I have to take the time to think ». 

Wolff has appeared annoyed to say the least in recent weeks, between his frustration in the negotiations around the Concorde Agreement, and his attempt at bold (cavalier?) mediation between Racing Point and its rivals. Behind the scenes, it is also rumored that relations between the main Mercedes team and Källenius are not really in good shape, even if Wolff has always brushed aside these rumors.