Hamilton: Wolff's Mercedes future won't affect my F1 plans

Lewis Hamilton insists his future will not be swayed by whether Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff decides to stay at the team or not. 

Hamilton, who leads the 2020 world championship by 30 points over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, is out of contract at the end of the season but is yet to sign an extension to remain with Mercedes. 

The six-times world champion has stressed he feels uncomfortable negotiating a “big new contract” in the current uncertain climate caused by the coronavirus pandemic, though he is widely expected to stay with the German manufacturer with which he has claimed five of his six world titles. 

Wolff’s own position at Mercedes is uncertain, with the Austrian saying he is still weighing up whether he wants to continue in his current role of team principal beyond the end of the campaign amid what he described as a “moment of reflection” about his future.

“What you’ve got to remember is it’s a team, there’s almost 2,000 people, it’s not just down to one person or one individual,” Hamilton said when asked if he would miss Wolff if he decided to leave Mercedes. 

“That’s not to determine whether or not I stay. I’ve been part of building with this team, part of that growth, and the strength is there through and through. It’s not just one individual. 

“I think everyone has to do what’s best for them and best for their career and happiness at the end of the day and I think it’s smart for him. I think everyone needs to sit, take a moment and evaluate what they want to do moving forward, whether it suits them, their families, and future dreams. 

“We’ve done so much together, but I hope he stays. It’s fun working with him, negotiating with him, having the ups and downs. I’m truly grateful to Toto, but I’ll be supportive in whatever he decides to do.” 

Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas recently agreed a fresh deal to continue with the reigning world championship-winning outfit in 2021. 

While the Finn admitted Wolff would be missed greatly, he echoed Hamilton’s comments and stressed he would have still signed a contract extension even if Wolff was no longer part of the team. 

“I think Toto has been a really important part of the team and a big part of getting it to the state where it is now,” Bottas added. 

“But it’s not all about one person, we’re a big team, with many important personnel within the team and everyone needs to be able to work together. 

“I really agree that whatever he does, I hope he’ll make a decision that will make him happy and does what he really wants to do. That’s it, that what’s life is all about, doing the things that make you happy, follow your dreams. 

“Of course, it would be a shame to see him go – I have no idea about what’s going on in the background, I’ve just been focusing on the driving. I would have definitely still have signed with the team if Toto wasn’t here, because, as Lewis said, it’s not just about one person, even if he’s a very important man.”