Wolff "happy" for Hamilton to have voiced future Mercedes "marriage" plans

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has declared himself "happy" Lewis Hamilton has opened up on his plans to continue in F1 beyond this season.

The fact Hamilton only signed a new one-year deal with Mercedes at the start of this year raised speculation as to whether the current campaign would be his last in F1, particularly if he claimed a record-breaking eighth title.

But ahead of this weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed for the first time that he hopes to continue with Mercedes from 2022.

The seven-time F1 champion cited the fact he was "enjoying this battle" with Red Bull rival Max Verstappen, while he also claimed he has more work to do from within the sport with regard to fighting for equality and diversity.

Ultimately, Hamilton said: "I don’t know how long I will stay though, we’ll see.”

Asked whether Hamilton would be in F1 next year, Wolff told Sky Sports F1: “Yes, there is no reason why not. It is the best place to be.

"He has been with us for a long time. I think as long as we can provide the outlook for a competitive package, I see no reason why we shouldn’t be together and continue the marriage.

“It came out in public what we have already discussed in private and I am happy about that.”

Related

F1 Off The Track

Hamilton and Wolff centre stage as F1 shuts down New York for new emoji launch

• April 30, 2024 09:36

Latest F1 News

F1 wonderkid in Imola TEST amid driver replacement reports

• April 30, 2024 08:12