Wolff wants to take off halo with a chainsaw

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted that, although the health and safety of drivers is important and needs to be a priority, he wants to take a 'chainsaw' to the safety frame to rip it from the chassis, whilst also giving an update on Lewis Hamilton's future.

The Silver Arrows became the sixth team to unveil their new vehicle for the 2018 season complete with the halo device which is mandatory from this campaign onwards. It comes in the form of a steel frame around the head of the driver for protection purposes, and has proved unpopular for its alleged 'ugly' design.

Wolff hates it so much he would like to take a chainsaw to it.

"I'm not impressed with the whole thing," he said.

"If you give me a chainsaw, I would take it off. We need to look after driver safety but what we have implemented is aesthetically not appealing."

The Mercedes boss went on to provide an update on the future of Hamilton, whose contract with the team runs out at the end of the current campaign. It appears the current world champion is close to signing on the dotted line for an extension on his deal.

"Lewis Hamilton is the personification of hunger," Wolff continued.

"He is extremely motivated and coming back after the winter break and I don’t think that lack of hunger is an issue for him.

"He is in good spirits. And in terms of our deal coming together, very good discussions, ticking the dots and expecting to come up with some news soon."

Mercedes remain the favourites for the 2018 championship, but Wolff thinks that Ferrari and Red Bull, as well as perhaps McLaren, will once again provide stiff competition for Grand Prix wins.

"If you would have asked us the question this time last year we would have said Red Bull and it was Ferrari.

"It's very dangerous before the season has started to reduce the number of potential competitors. Ferrari is very strong, Red Bull is very strong.

"I'm very curious how McLaren is going to perform with the Renault engine. And the step up the works team has made. Williams has gone very radical."