Mercedes chief plays down Hamilton’s quit claims

LONDON — Toto Wolff has expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton (pictured) will remain in Formula One and sign a new deal with Mercedes.

Hamilton prevailed at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday and subsequently stated that he isn’t certain whether he will still be involved in Formula One next year.

However, Mercedes chief Wolff, who like Hamilton is out of contract at the end of the season, is hopeful that the 35-yearold will stay.

Daniil Kvyat says the son of legendary Michael Schumacher will have to earn his right to race in Formula One.

As reported by Planet F1, Wolff said: “I guess if he were to decide to step out of Formula One — which I don't think is going to happen and I hope is not going to happen — then I think we are going to have a pretty frantic driver market out there.

“I think it’s the moment, it’s the emotions. We are all happy, but very tired also.

“And the same for me: I relate to his feeling that you question yourself and that you think about all the other things that matter.”

Wolff and Hamilton have played a crucial part in Mercedes winning the Constructors’ Championship seven years in a row, and Wolff declared “we are not finished”.

“When you switch on the news in the morning, it is all about the struggles we face so it is normal for somebody to have these feelings. But we want to continue this journey. We are not finished.

“There will be a moment when the Drivers’ Championship is going to be decided so we can sit down and talk about the contract. We have a few months before the first race in Australia next year.”

Speaking on Sunday, Hamilton cast doubt over his future in F1 and at Mercedes.

He said: “I don’t even know if I am going to be here next year so it is not really a concern for me at the moment.

“We have a lot of deep conversations, Toto and I, and I know where he is mentally. We carry a lot of the weight together.

Wolff is anticipating holding talks with Hamilton soon regarding his future at Mercedes.

”I have been here a long, long time and I can understand him wanting to pull back a little bit and give more time to his family. I don’t know who will replace him but he is a leader and he wouldn’t put anyone in his place who is not able to do the job. He will find the right person.”

Hamilton also commented upon the intensity of the Formula One season.

He said: ”We are in November and Christmas is not that far away. I feel great, very strong and that I could go on for plenty of months but, Toto mentioned about ‘shelf life’ and there are multiple things on the top of my mind.

“I would like to be here next year but there is no guarantee of that. There is a lot that excites me about F1’s afterlife, so time will tell.”

Hamilton is closing in on winning the world championship for a record-equalling seventh time. Mercedes are hoping to tie him to a new £40m-a-year deal.