Mercedes’ Decision Behind Hamilton’s Short Contract Revealed: Preparing for the Next Verstappen

In a surprising revelation, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has shed light on the rationale behind offering Lewis Hamilton a short-term contract extension in August 2023, a decision that ultimately paved the way for the champion driver’s departure to Ferrari in 2025.

Wolff candidly admitted that the team’s past experiences, particularly their missed opportunity with current F1 champion Max Verstappen in 2014, significantly influenced their strategy regarding Hamilton’s contract. At the time, Mercedes was unable to secure Verstappen due to the lack of available F1 seats, leading him to join Red Bull where he flourished into one of the sport’s leading figures.

Now, with Italian prodigy Kimi Antonelli, destined to debut in F2 in 2024, Mercedes opted to prioritize securing a potential future star rather than meeting Hamilton’s desire for a multi-year deal. Wolff emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility, citing Verstappen’s trajectory as a cautionary tale.

“There was a situation many years ago where we had the opportunity to let Max drive, and that wasn’t possible back then because we simply didn’t have a cockpit,” Wolff recalled.

“[Nico] Rosberg and Hamilton were tied to us long-term, and Red Bull naturally seized the opportunity. They gave him a contract with Toro Rosso, with the possibility of driving for Red Bull the following year.”

“We then lost the young driver, and you can see how successful he has become. And precisely because we have a junior on the horizon who is really driving at a very high level, I simply wanted to keep this option open.”

Hamilton, set to conclude his long-term partnership with Mercedes after 24 remaining races, aims to end his winless streak before departing for Ferrari in 2025. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about clinching another championship title with Mercedes before embarking on his new journey.

With pundits predicting a resurgence for Hamilton this season, Mercedes faces mounting pressure to secure a victory after enduring a prolonged drought since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021. While Hamilton’s impending departure introduces a shift in dynamics, F1 analysts believe the team’s resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial in navigating the transition period.