Wolff on Mercedes' 2024 line-up: 'Not the time to talk about that'

Mercedes is strongly considering jettisoning the current concept of the W14 and starting over with a new design. In the background, the German racing stable has always factored in a disappointing season start as happened in Bahrain and so a number of ideas are already on the cards. There is a plan B, but does that apply if Hamilton suddenly decides not to extend his contract?

"Even though we are open about how to turn the car around, it is not the right time to talk about the line-up for 2024," Wolff said as quoted by Motorsport-Total.com. "It is way too early. We all have to have our noses in the same direction; the drivers, the engineers, the whole management. We are not going to throw in the towel. We have never done that and we won't."

The Austrian team boss argued that Hamilton holds the team together and is an integral part of the team. He does not expect that to change as Mercedes is now having a poor start.

Hamilton denies F1 exit

Damon Hill and Jenson Button said last week that the seven-time World Champion may not yet have renewed his contract because of disappointing results. Hamilton himself dispelled that rumour during Thursday's press conference at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Yet in the background, whether they like it or not, Mercedes may have to reckon with Hamilton leaving if results remain so poor. After all, why would the Brit continue to drive?