Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff admitted that he was “ready” for his driver Lewis Hamilton’s retirement, saying that he has prepared himself for everything.
Hamilton remains silent after the Abu Dhabi GP. He was hard done by the authorities and lost out on a surefire record-breaking eighth world title. It was the most controversial moment F1 had seen in a long time.
Mercedes were left with a bad taste in their mouth, with their entire team disillusioned. Among them was the seven-time world champion, whose situation left him in two minds regarding continuing in the sport.
Even though he initially rallied his driver on, Wolff admitted he was now “ready” for Hamilton’s retirement, and said that he would back him no matter what.
“It doesn’t worry me at all, because I will always respect Lewis’ decisions,” he said, as quoted by express.co.uk.
“Whether this is staying with us for a long time, or whether that means leaving the sport and pursuing different interests.
“I think we need to be ready for all kinds of curveballs being thrown at us. But at the same time, we talk a lot, and we are very transparent with each other. I think there is more to achieve together.”
What a team
In July, after signing a new contract with Mercedes for two years, Hamilton had said, “It is hard to believe it’s been nearly nine years working with this incredible team and I’m excited we’re going to continue our partnership for two more years.
“We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot to achieve, both on and off the track.
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport. They have held themselves accountable and made important strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment.
“Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes whose hard work makes it all possible and the Board for their continued trust in me. We’re entering a new era of car which will be challenging and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.”
Read more: Wolff wants a better solution to F1 Abu Dhabi mess than just replacing Masi as race director