Pools Wolff with an open heart. The Mercedes team principal, in an exclusive interview given to La Gazzetta dello Sport, touched on various topics, analyzing the objectives of this last part of the season of his team, called to confirm itself as the second force in the constructors' championship, also focusing on an interesting background on the possible negotiation between Hamilton and Ferrari.
Wolff to La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Hamilton in Ferrari? He had a dinner with Elkann”
During the season, there was a lot of news about Hamilton joining Ferrari, but for Wolff discussions between the two sides never began"In the announcement of the renewal Wolff admitted. there was a bit of delay but I can also admit that it was quite clear that it would end as the matter finally ended, that is, with Lewis who remained with us. He and I are always very transparent in our relationships.”
“Some time ago, for example, he told me: 'I saw John Elkann at dinner, but know that I'm not going anywhere'. And when you wrote about his possible arrival at Ferrari, he immediately warned me by saying: 'Toto, I'm not carrying out any negotiations'. However, I understand why the rumors that arose: the announced signing arrived after six months, but it was for reasons related only to marketing and sponsors. I never thought he would leave us".
“Happy to continue together”
Although Hamilton and Ferrari were therefore never really close to an agreement, it took quite a few months to wait for the contract renewal between the seven-time world champion and Mercedes. The reason? Word to Toto Wolff: “In the negotiation we had discussions about his current activities, such as the line designed for Tommy Hilfiger and of his future as an entrepreneur. But it is obvious that the main focus must be on to race and Lewis does that really well and it remains the most important thing. However, we are very open to what may happen in the future: maintaining a working relationship with the greatest driver ever for Mercedes is an enormous opportunity. In my opinion it is a journey that must continuetogether, even beyond the time of racing".
“We can catch up with Red Bull”
Following the official renewal, the focus switches to the track, with Wolff who he believes his Mercedes can catch up to Red Bull, undisputed dominator of this season: “I wouldn't be in this sport – admits Wolff – If you don't believe it, that's for sure. But, in the end, it's simple: just see how much Aston Martin has grown o the steps forward made by McLaren in summer. If we were all able to find 3 or 4 tenths we would undoubtedly be back in the game. We know very well that our single-seater is worth more than it has produced so far, but we haven't been able to figure out how to get there yet, but we'll do our best".
