Mercedes have a tough job on their hands to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
Mercedes and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to play a crucial role in deciding who will replace Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time F1 champion has decided to switch to Ferrari next year
It has left Wolff and co with the daunting task of replacing Hamilton, but the Mercedes team principal has made it clear that he won’t rush the decision. He’s keen on persuading Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull, but that seems unlikely at present.
A planned meeting with Verstappen’s team didn’t take place this week, but Mercedes hope to engage with the Dutchman, his father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen after the Miami Grand Prix. Ratcliffe, along with Wolff and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius – all equal owners of the team – plan to be part of these discussions.
It comes at a time when Ratcliffe is looking to stamp his authority at Man Utd after acquiring a 27.7 per cent share of the club – holding full sporting control