In a recent revelation from Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff disclosed an interesting promise he made to Lewis Hamilton. According to Wolff, he vowed not to pursue Max Verstappen as a potential driver for Mercedes while Hamilton remained with the team. This promise came to light during a conversation Wolff had with his wife, Susie, where they discussed potential replacements for Hamilton, who had reportedly considered leaving the team for Ferrari.
The 2021 Formula 1 season was defined by intense competition between Hamilton and Verstappen, with both drivers pushing each other to their limits in pursuit of the World Championship. The season was full of controversy, including clashes between the two on track, heated debates, and moments that raised tensions between them. Hamilton was especially vocal about his opinions on Verstappen’s driving style, claiming that the Dutch driver often crossed the line when it came to racing etiquette. Hamilton referred to Verstappen as one of the “most ill-disciplined” drivers he had ever competed against, stating that Verstappen’s disregard for racing rules often put others at risk. Hamilton explained that in his 28 years of racing, he had encountered a few drivers who were “over the limit,” and Verstappen, in his view, certainly fit that category. Hamilton added that he had repeatedly managed to avoid collisions with Verstappen, despite the Dutchman’s aggressive racing tactics.
Despite the tension, Wolff’s promise to Hamilton appeared to show how much the team valued their star driver’s comfort and sense of harmony within the squad. In a discussion about potential future signings, Wolff told his wife that he had not reached out to Verstappen because he had made a pact with Hamilton not to approach the Red Bull star while the seven-time World Champion was still with Mercedes. However, Wolff also suggested that now with Hamilton’s departure seemingly imminent, he was ready to break that promise and make a move to bring Verstappen on board.
Wolff’s comments reveal the ongoing complexity of Mercedes’ plans as Hamilton’s future with the team became uncertain. Despite the team’s struggles in 2022 and beyond, with Hamilton’s performance not matching his previous dominant form, Wolff seemed to recognize that Verstappen’s potential could be a key factor in turning Mercedes back into a championship contender. The team boss admitted that the idea of signing Verstappen was a delicate issue, but that now, with Hamilton on the verge of leaving, he was willing to explore the possibility.
In the behind-the-scenes footage, Wolff was seen discussing his desire to sign Verstappen with Mercedes’ communications head, Bradley Lord, and driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue. “It’s so difficult with Max,” Wolff said during a meeting, expressing the challenges that would come with convincing Verstappen to leave Red Bull for Mercedes. He also pointed out that there was only a “one percent chance” that Verstappen would change his mind and make the switch, indicating that Wolff knew how difficult it would be to pry the reigning World Champion away from his current team.Wolff’s comments highlight how much the dynamics within a Formula 1 team can shift based on personal relationships and promises made. Despite Mercedes’ struggles and Hamilton’s waning dominance, Wolff clearly felt a sense of loyalty to his star driver, which influenced his decisions regarding potential signings. However, with Hamilton’s future uncertain, it became clear that Wolff was ready to move forward with new plans, and Verstappen was at the top of that list.
The revelation provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of F1 teams, where decisions often extend beyond performance and business interests to include personal relationships and loyalties. As the season progresses, the fate of Hamilton, Mercedes, and Verstappen will likely continue to evolve, with Wolff’s promise to Hamilton remaining a significant factor in shaping the team’s future strategies.
