P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has opened up about how things might look at Mercedes once Lewis Hamilton leaves for Ferrari at the end of the current F1 season, and who he would like to replace him.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff believes a future partnership with Max Verstappen “needs to happen,” as he addressed the challenges faced by the team this season. Despite the inconsistent performance of Mercedes’ cars under the new rules, Wolff remains focused on finding a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who left for Ferrari. While Hamilton’s departure wasn’t a surprise to Wolff, the timing caught him off guard. He expressed understanding and appreciation for their shared history and bond. Wolff emphasized the need to take time in selecting Hamilton’s successor, mentioning candidates like Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, but highlighting Verstappen as his preferred choice. He acknowledged the significance of the potential partnership with Verstappen, emphasizing the need for it to happen eventually.
