According to Toto Wolff, Mercedes was in a tough spot when Lewis Hamilton announced his departure because they were unable to sign Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris, who had both agreed to new contracts only a few weeks earlier.
Wolff was in a tough spot when it came to selecting Hamilton’s successor because Norris and Leclerc were no longer an option and Max Verstappen was not willing to leave Red Bull for a struggling Mercedes team.
According to reports, Fernando Alonso was contacted, but the Spaniard rejected the advances and chose to sign a long-term contract with Aston Martin instead. Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon were also mentioned as possibilities, but neither came to pass.
Wolff describes how Hamilton’s timing derailed his plans in Mercedes’ most recent book, Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane. “I was aware that Lewis would go. I found it incomprehensible that he would switch teams before we were certain of our competitiveness.
Additionally, it didn’t give me time to respond. It’s possible that I lost out on negotiating with Leclerc and Norris, two other drivers who signed contracts a few weeks prior. Do I take that personally, though? This was merely a business choice.
“After such a fruitful journey together, we now have our own goals. For me, this didn’t even make a difference. I have thick skin. This isn’t comparable to the difficult times I’ve had in my life.
Hamilton gave an account of the meeting at Wolff’s Oxford home, saying, “It was the hardest meeting I’ve ever had.” Since integrity is all about doing it in person, I had to do it.
But I was aware that it would be challenging. Humans are ultimately hurt when things come to an end. I am aware, however, that our friendship transcends business. That’s my perspective, and I hope Toto shares it.
Wolff made the audacious choice to promote 18-year-old academy sensation Kimi Antonelli, who has two victories in a mixed Formula Two rookie campaign, since Hamilton was out of the running and some of the biggest names in Formula One were unavailable.
Since his early karting days, the teenager from Bologna has been the jewel in the Mercedes academy. He has long been regarded as a possible future star, and his victories in the Italian F4 and Formula Regional European Championship have only increased the excitement and anticipation. Next, he will collaborate with George Russell.
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