Lauda: Hamilton will stay with Mercedes no matter what happens
Once again, Mercedes leaders Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff had to address the rumors regarding Lewis Hamilton's possible desire to leave for other pastures. The Austrian triple world champion claims that the Brit has left... to stay.
The wait is long this year regarding the announcements of driver appointments in several major teams for next year.
If, in all likelihood, Sebastian Vettel has tied his future with Ferrari and Fernando Alonso with McLaren, none of this has yet been confirmed. If we add to this the upcoming discussions between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes regarding their common future, many rumors continue to emerge.
The latest rumor would propel Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, thus leaving the field open for Fernando Alonso to join Mercedes – hence the Spanish driver’s wait to make an announcement about his future. All this is, of course, brushed aside by Niki Lauda, non-executive director of the world champion team of constructors this year: “I’ve read stories that Lewis has signed a contract with Ferrari, which is absolutely false. He has asked us to start discussions about his contract once the season is over. He wants to focus on racing. We are in the same mindset as him. He will stay with Mercedes, whether he wins or loses on Sunday.”
Statements that echo those made by Toto Wolff a few days ago: « On the Monday or Tuesday after Abu Dhabi, we will sit down and discuss together to find a quick solution. Lewis is an intelligent and mature person who knows Formula 1 much better than some other managers. »
