Toto Wolff drops hint Mercedes could sign Sebastian Vettel to partner Lewis Hamilton
SEBASTIAN VETTEL could join Mercedes at the end of the 2017 season, according to team boss Toto Wolff.
By
James Gray
James Gray
GETTY
Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton could be team-mates at Mercedes in 2017
Valtteri Bottas was unveiled on Monday as Mercedes' new driver alongside Lewis Hamilton, after Nico Rosberg retired as world champion last month.
But the Finn, who was released by Williams after lengthy negotiations, was only given a one-year contract.
And Wolff wants to keep his options open when a number of top drivers reach the end of their current deals.
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg F1 2016 World Championship in pictures
Sun, November 27, 2016
Click through the gallery for some of the best snaps of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg from the F1 2016 World Championship
Play slideshow
Getty Images
1 of 13
Click through the gallery for some of the best snaps of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg from the F1 2016 World Championship
"We wouldn't have chosen Valtteri if we thought that he was not good enough to continue with the team," Wolff told Finnish podcast Formulacast.
"But as a matter of fact, the market is very dynamic at the moment.
"Next year, options open – young drivers, Sebastian [Vettel], Fernando [Alonso], Valtteri – many of them.
GETTY
Toto Wolff has only given Valtteri Bottas a one-year contract at Mercedes
"So it is about understanding that, and Valtteri does."
Vettel is currently under contract with Ferrari but went winless last season and has not stood on the top step of the podium since September 2015.
Ferrari team boss Sergio Marchionne has criticised the German for failing to keep a cool head in the car last season, suggesting that he may not renew with the team when his deal expires at the end of 2017.
GETTY
Sebastian Vettel has had his struggles with Ferrari since leaving Red Bull
Related articles
-
Nico Rosberg exit will not weaken Mercedes as they still have Hamilton
-
Ferrari boss unsure over Sebastian Vettel's future
And Wolff, who has always said that he wants the two strongest drivers possible in his team, is open about the fact that Bottas may not be given a second contract at Mercedes.
"We have great faith and confidence in [Valtteri] that he can stay with us for a long time, but now we need to see how the season goes," Wolff added.
Mercedes had initially been considering promoting Pascal Wehrlein from their young driver programme into the vacant seat.
Related videos
-
TIGHT race between Verstappen and Rosberg heats up
-
Valtteri Bottas clocks fastest lap at Russian Grand Prix
-
Valtteri Bottas' gorgeous wife Emilia shows off Olympic training…
However, his inexperience and mediocre showing in his debut season last year led them to Bottas, who has raced 78 times in F1.
"We decided that it was too early for Pascal to become Lewis' teammate," Wolff said.
"For Pascal and [fellow Mercedes young driver programme member] Esteban Ocon we have our own programme, designed for two or three years."
Wehrlein will instead drive for Sauber in 2017 while Ocon will join Sergio Perez at Force India.
The driver line-up for 2017 is now all but complete – only Manor Racing have not announced their drivers as they have been placed under administration and may not take part at all.
Related articles
-
Nico Rosberg on Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton: It won't be easy
-
Toto Wolff reveals what Lewis Hamilton said about Valtteri Bottas
Latest videos
Split movie reviews: Did M Night Shyamalan’s new thriller twist critics the right way?
The OA explained: Why did Prairie ask her recruits to keep their front doors open?
Outlander season 3: Shock snaps hint at new tension between Jamie and Claire
Cystic acne treatment: How to CURE condition using this 20p household item
Weight loss: Get fit while brewing a cuppa with these TWO minute exercises
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reveals what Lewis Hamilton said to him about Valtteri Bottas
F1 rule changes for 2017 are solid but DRS must GO, claims ex-world champ – EXCLUSIVE
Nico Rosberg on Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton: It won’t be easy at Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas replaces Nico Rosberg at Mercedes and joins Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton sent warning by new Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas
Is Valtteri Bottas to Lewis Hamilton what Rubens Barrichello was to Michael Schumacher?
Nico Rosberg rejoins Mercedes: He'll be back alongside Lewis Hamilton tomorrow!
Valtteri Bottas: This is what I want to do at Mercedes and what I think of Lewis Hamilton
Williams confirm Felipe Massa return: Brazilian replaces Mercedes-bound Valtteri Bottas
Nico Rosberg retirement will hurt Mercedes for years, claims F1 expert Martin Brundle
Is this the clue Mercedes have signed Valtteri Bottas? Pascal Wehrlein joins Sauber
Lance Stroll must NOT copy this current F1 driver, claims Jacques Villeneuve – exclusive
Williams chief reveals progress on Valtteri Bottas Mercedes move: Announcement this week
British Grand Prix: Silverstone chief reveals government talks over race’s future
Mercedes would be a logical step for me, claims F1 driver
Donington Park bought by former F1 driver: New investment and events promised
Are Mercedes preparing shock swoop for Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel to join Lewis Hamilton?
Renault boss exit: Frederic Vasseur reveals real reason he left team
Mercedes have no date for Valtteri Bottas announcement despite reports in Spain
Paddy Lowe Mercedes exit confirmed by team: Valtteri Bottas deal close
Mercedes lose key man Paddy Lowe to Williams: Ex-Ferrari director James Allison eyed
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tumblr
RSS