02 February 2024 , 12:33
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Toto Wolff hinted he would have looked to either Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc to replace Lewis Hamilton.
However, he has been thwarted by the fact both of them signed new deals with their respective teams last month. As a result, the timing of Hamilton's announcement that he will depart Mercedes has "bit" the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton will leave the team at the end of the upcoming 2024 season to begin a new chapter of his career with Ferrari, at the age of 40. On Friday, team principal Wolff spoke to reporters about the situation.
And, when quizzed on who the Briton's eventual replacement might be, the Austrian strongly hinted that Norris and Leclerc would have been top targets. "A few contracts have been signed a few weeks ago that we would have looked at, that would have been interesting," he said.
"But timing here bit us a bit. I always like change because it provides you with opportunity... I'm really looking forward to making the right decision for the team, with my colleagues, for who is going to be in the seat next year. Maybe it's a chance to do something bold."
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That final sentence is a hint that the early favourites to fill the seat that will soon be vacated by Hamilton may not be the direction in which Wolff eventually goes. The names mentioned so far include the likes of Carlos Sainz, who Hamilton will replace at Ferrari, impressive Williams star Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon of Alpine.
But Mercedes may also have the opportunity to promote from within. Reserve driver Mick Schumacher is desperate to get back onto the grid while Frederik Vesti finished second in Formula 2 last year. Teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli may even have an outside chance of landing the seat if he continues his stellar rise.
Wolff will not be rushed into making a decision as, at the very least, the timing of Hamilton's decision has given him many months to consider his options. The one thing he is certain of, though, is that George Russell is ready to step up and fill the void that will be left when the seven-time world champion departs.
He said: "We have two excellent drivers... with all the Lewis discussion, one thing that has not been talked about enough is George - George has the potential to be the next lead driver in the team.
"He is of the generation of Lando and Leclerc and some of the others and I couldn't wish for a [better] new team leader for when Lewis leaves, no doubt about that. We have such a solid foundation and a quick and intelligent guy in the car - we just need to make the right choice for the second seat."