Lewis Hamilton 'doesn't need me' - Toto Wolff urges ace to stay as he considers F1 future
Lewis Hamilton has previously admitted his future is tied into Toto Wolff's.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff address 2021 F1 rumours in 2019
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff's partnership has been integral to Mercedes' success over the past six seasons and the team principal is certain it will continue even if he leaves the F1 champions. Hamilton and Wolff are out of contract later this year and Mercedes are eager to keep hold of them both.
Hamilton has previously stated his future will be impacted by any choices Wolff makes, such is the strength of their relationship.
They had been expected to carry on working together into 2021 at the very least, with the onset of new F1 regulations pushed back a year.
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However, Wolff, who heads up all of Mercedes' motorsport operations on top of his F1 duties, has now admitted he's weighing up his options going forward.
"Many factors make me want to stay but it takes its toll," said Wolff ahead of Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix. "There is no reason not to continue. We will find out in which role.
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"We want to do the best for the team and continue to see the team prosper. I really enjoy the role and my plan is to continue but I never want to be in a situation where you are becoming from very good to good."
Wolff, who owns a 30 per cent stake in Mercedes' F1 team, is flattered by Hamilton hinting he might quit the champions if he leaves.
But the Austrian is adamant Hamilton can build on his immense success even if he's not there to oversee it.
"Lewis staying is the best thing he can do and it's what he wants to do," said Wolff. "He has the possibility of achieving great success. It's flattering he says it is dependent on what I do but he doesn't need me.
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"I haven't taken the decision yet. These are discussions that are ongoing and positive and I enjoy them. I don't want to give you the spin I am leaving because that is not the case.
"It is just I am in a moment of reflection, where F1 is heading, what is happening around COVID and also personal reasons. [Wolff's wife] Susie is in a good place running a Formula E team and that means she is away a lot and I have been to something like 120 Grands Prix in the last eight years and it is something we are thinking about."
Wolff is set to hold talks over his future with Ola Kallenius, who is chairman of Mercedes' parent company Daimler.
The 48-year-old has been tipped to take on a senior role with the German car giant if he decides to bring an end to his frontline involvement in F1.
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