Mercedes principal Toto Wolff says the team’s slow start to the Formula 1 season has delayed contract talks with world champion Lewis Hamilton.
The British driver insists he’s “fully committed” to the team, but there’s been no opportunity for the two parties to sit down. Hamilton, who’s top of the drivers’ standings, won his first Grand Prix of the season last weekend, but Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel is favourite to win this year’s championship.
Ferrari’s strong start to the season has put Mercedes on the back foot. The efforts to improve the cars of Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas mean any contract talks have been put aside for the time being.
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Quoted by F1i.com, Wolff said: “We haven’t talked for a few days or weeks because it was so intense in getting our act together with the team. All our priority has been concentrated on that.
“We are very well aligned in what we expect from each other in the future. It’s just finding the time to sit down.”
When asked about the talks, Hamilton confirmed his desire to stay with the team. “I’m fully committed to Mercedes,” he said. “I have every plan to be with the team for the future. It’s not a rushed thing. I’ve made it very, very clear and they made it very clear that they want to continue, so it’s quite an easy thing.”
Ferrari chief Marchionne ‘encouraged’ by Liberty talks
There have been major fears that Ferrari’s future in F1 was under threat but it appears that the Italian team are pleased with the sport’s latest developments.
The BBC reports that Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne said he was “encouraged” by the plans for F1 and is pleased with F1 owners Liberty Media’s “change in attitude”.
“The biggest sign is the recognition that engine regulations need to reflect the nature of the sport,” he said.