The seven-time drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton received a harsh evaluation from former F1 president Bernie Ecclestone. He said that Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes team, was frustrated with his recent results. The 91-year-comments old’s came after the British competitor, who finished behind his younger comrade George Russell in prior races, was overheard lamenting his back problems.
Recently, the British business magnate had a conversation with the English newspaper Dailymail. In the conversation, Bernie remarked, “Toto is getting a bit fed up with Lewis. I don’t think he’s trying, do you? Let’s put it another way. Lewis doesn’t seem bothered about losing. “It’s not like him. He has a competitive nature. But he’s taking losing a bit easy for my liking.”
Exit For Lewis Hamilton?
Lewis Hamilton has narrowly prevailed over George Russell twice in the nine races so far this year, despite losing out on a record-setting seventh world title last season. Prior to placing third the last time in Canada, he finished third in the inaugural race in Bahrain only.
Last season, Hamilton fell short of winning a record-tying eighth F1 championship. After winning the year’s last race in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen won his first championship. But because his Mercedes vehicle is having porpoising problems, Hamilton hasn’t been able to keep up with his competitors at the top of the table this year.
Bernie went on to say that Lewis might sell his position to Toto. His words were, “This is how much I am getting. I’ll step down and give me half of what I would get.’ Toto can go and do one of his magic deals, offer someone less money and keep £20m. Nobody needs to tell Toto this because he has already thought of it. Lewis would probably stop under those circumstances.” He further added, “There was a bit of Nigel Mansell about it. At least with Nigel, he would get out of the car and rub his left leg as if he had broken it. Next moment, it would be his right leg.”
The business tycoon said that George Russell’s performance had shocked him, given that Lewis Hamilton was more seasoned. The latter is still having a difficult season. It will be interesting to watch if Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, steps up his performance in the face of intense scrutiny or if Russell continues to outperform him throughout this season.
The British international still has a year left on his tenure with the Silver Arrows. However, Wolff may have thought of giving Hamilton a deal to leave the club early, according to former F1 boss Ecclestone. Or, chances of the opposite are there. What if Mercedes extends Hamilton’s contract for the future. What are your views on this? Tell us in the comments section below.