Hamilton got remarkable promise from Wolff about Verstappen
F1 News
- Estéban den Toom
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff promised Lewis Hamilton that he would not go after Max Verstappen as a potential replacement for the seven-time Formula 1 world champion. This revelation emerged during a preview for the new season of Drive to Survive, with Wolff discussing with his wife, Susie Wolff, about who Mercedes should offer a contract to following Hamilton's departure to Ferrari.
Mercedes team boss in Drive to Survive
Among others, the names of Spaniards Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were mentioned as possible successors to Hamilton, but the reigning world champion's name also came up. However, Wolff explained that he would not hire Verstappen while Hamilton was still with the Brackley-based team.
The two drivers were the biggest of rivals during the 2021 title race, one of the closest fights the sport has ever seen. The fight between Hamilton and Verstappen reached its crescendo at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which saw the Dutchman overtake the Mercedes driver on the final lap to seal his maiden title.
Wolff on the promise to Hamilton about Verstappen
"I haven’t talked to him because I promised Lewis not to talk to him. But I will have the conversation now," Wolff said in the scene about recruiting Verstappen to his team. Only when Hamilton was on his way out at Mercedes did the plan to hire Verstappen come up.
During the preview, footage was also shown of a meeting with several Mercedes chiefs where the plan was discussed. The rumours surrounding Verstappen and a possible switch to Mercedes are now far quieter. George Russell and 18-year-old talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be behind the wheel for the German team in 2025.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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