TALK OF a Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger wedding taking place this year may be rife among the celebrity gossip magazines, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff only has eyes on preparing for another frenetic Formula One season.
Hamilton is yet to sign a new contract with his team but Wolff, on holiday in the Austrian ski town Kitzbuhel, gave the biggest indication yet that the Stevenage-born racer would be staying with the German outfit beyond the upcoming season.
Recent reports seemed to suggest Hamilton’s contract, which expires this season, will be discussed in-house during the 2015 campaign.
Wolff said that both he and Hamilton had expressed a desire to work together in 2016 but he also added: “I am optimistic [of reaching a deal with Hamilton], the priority is to continue with these two drivers.
“But if it’s not possible, Alonso is the first alternative. Then there is [Valtteri] Bottas”.
Of more importance to Wolff however, was ensuring that his team hit the ground running in preparation to defend the title they won in 2014.
“We are on schedule and have a clear idea of where we are in terms of chassis and engine,” said Wolff.
He added: “The first goal is to assemble the car in time for mid January, when we plan a test at Silverstone.
“But only at Jerez will we have a picture of the balance of power with the opposition.”
He concluded: “When you begin to relax, you begin to lose,” said Wolff.
“Compared to last year, when the new formula came in, margins for improvement are smaller now and our opponents know our strengths and what they need to focus on to beat us.” – Voice
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