P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has been coy on its options to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton, citing that the
Mercedes’ main focus is on the 2024 season, with Lewis Hamilton in his final year and George Russell eager to perform. They need to improve the car’s pace and compete with Red Bull and other teams. Toto Wolff believes that Russell has the potential to be the next lead driver in the team and sees him as a solid foundation. The recent confirmations of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris securing their positions at Ferrari and McLaren have limited Mercedes’ choices for the second seat. However, Wolff sees this change as an opportunity to make a bold decision. Having Russell already secured allows them time to assess the available candidates on the market.
