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Toto Wolff is certain that signing a new contract with Lewis Hamilton is simply a formality.
Toto Wolff in the paddock ahead of final practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)The seven-time world champion’s current deal with Mercedes is set to expire at the end of the 2023 season.
With the strong partnership between the Brit and George Russell, it is likely that the team will maintain the same lineup going into 2024.
Wolff has confidence in keeping Hamilton on board
As a mass overhaul of the regulations shook up the field last season, Mercedes failed to take full advantage of the changes.
The W13 lagged behind Red Bull and Ferrari, but the team still finished the year with a race win and a further 16 podiums. As the 2023 season rapidly approaches, there are hopes that they can edge closer to their main rivals.
63 days ago. 💙 pic.twitter.com/OyZR77N84j
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 14, 2023
Despite their recent difficulties, Wolff is confident that his collaboration with Hamilton will continue. There are just 50 days until the first race weekend, but the team’s future does not disturb the Austrian.
As reported by Autosport, he said: “We have a full year to go. We’re so aligned.”
He continued:
“In the last 10 years, our relationship has grown that it’s just a matter of him physically being back in Europe, sticking our heads together, wrestling a bit and then leaving the room with white smoke after a few hours.”
What does Hamilton’s future look like?
The question of Hamilton’s retirement rears its head every season, but even the Brit himself has no answers. Speaking to Autosport last year, he confirmed that he is “not putting a limit” on his F1 career.
He said: “I’m planning to do a multi-year deal with my team. I really, really don’t know what the next five years [hold], I think we’re still trying to work on that.
“There’s a lot of great things that are being put in place, like I’ve just launched a [film] production company this week. But I feel great, like in mind and body.
“I think there’s more stuff to achieve together. I just don’t know [how long].”
Once a fresh contract is signed, it will likely be a two-year deal. With the regulations changing again in 2026, nothing is certain for the future.
Featured Image Credit: Doug Murray via Getty Images
