Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, has admitted he has no alternative if Lewis Hamilton decides to leave.
The seven-time champion has a contract till the end of the season and there is yet to be word on an extension.
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Reports have said that all parties have chosen to focus on improving performance of the W14.
While the team have picked up podiums this year, they haven’t looked like getting race wins.
The season is still in its early stages though and Wolff will be confident of turning it round.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Wolff said: “I think it may sound naive, but I really struggle to think of a Plan B, if my Plan A is still the one that is my favourite.
“I don’t want to engage in discussions with other drivers, because I’m happy with the ones that are in the team, that’s for sure. At the moment, there is no Plan B. It’s Lewis.”
The British driver is in his 11th season with the team and has enjoyed huge success.
However, there have been signs of tension since last season. Mercedes are no longer the top dog and as a result, rumours have emerged that Hamilton may choose to move on.
A title winning car
It is no secret that Hamilton is racing on into his late 30s in search of a record breaking 8th title.
It will take him clear of Michael Schumacher at the top of the charts.
Whether they can overhaul Red Bull’s dominance remains to be seen.
The Horner/Verstappen partnership has been in scintillating form since early 2022.
If Hamilton is to beat them, he may have to move on.
Wolff is confident his star driver will give him enough notice – if it comes to that conclusion.
“I think that he would tell us early enough. I don’t think that Lewis would say: ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’m out of here tomorrow.’
“He would always feel the responsibility for the team. He wouldn’t leave the team alone. Drivers can always take decisions [like that], but he wouldn’t let us down.
“But then, I think if you believe that you’re a team that is attractive for others, you will find solutions.”
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