During the press conference of the Japanese Grand Prix organized by the FIA and held in Suzuka on Friday, when asked if he had narrowed down the list to one, two, three drivers, Wolff replied affirmatively. However, when pressed to provide a specific number, he refused to do so.
Subsequently, Wolff went on to discuss in detail two drivers who are at opposite ends of the spectrum. These drivers are the promising teenager Kimi Antonelli and the retired four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel.
Regarding Kimi Antonelli, the 17-year-old Italian prodigy, Wolff revealed that the plan for him to drive in Formula 1 has been in place for a significant period of time and has not undergone major changes in recent weeks. The only alteration made was the addition of more days.
The coming months will show what has already been planned, regardless of whether Antonelli will be in a Formula 1 car next year. The intention is to provide him with several days of driving in an F1 car to help him adapt. His first experience in the 2021 car will take place in Austria.
The goal is to familiarize Antonelli with the feeling of driving a truly exceptional car before putting him in the 2022 car. He has been part of our young driver program for a substantial period, alongside James, and we are looking forward to witnessing his performance in a Formula 1 car.
Wolff also commented on Ollie Bearman’s impressive performance in Saudi Arabia, highlighting his competitiveness despite the absence of free practice and the challenging nature of the track. Based on this, Wolff predicts that Antonelli will do well in similar circumstances.
Regarding Sebastian Vettel, Wolff acknowledged that Vettel is a driver who should never be underestimated. He praised Vettel’s remarkable track record and suggested that taking a break sometimes can be beneficial to reassess priorities and refine motivation.
Wolff emphasized that no decisions have been made regarding the drivers yet and there are no immediate plans to do so in the coming weeks. He recognized the dynamic nature of the driver market and potential signings by other teams. The intention is to continue discussions and keep options open. It is still too early to commit to a driver, whether young or experienced, as the next few months will bring more clarity.
Carlos Sainz, currently driving for Ferrari, is nearing the end of his contract, which will not be renewed to make room for Lewis Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc. Sainz has performed exceptionally well and would be a logical choice for Mercedes. However, Wolff is not in a rush to make decisions and has identified three candidates for the position, without confirming whether Antonelli and Vettel are among them to be teammates of George Russell.
Firstly, Mercedes has the financial means to acquire Verstappen and Wolff is eager for his services, but it is highly unlikely that the Dutch ace will leave Red Bull before the end of his contract in 2028.
In the short term, possible successors to Hamilton include Vettel, Antonelli, Sainz, and possibly Ocon. Only Wolff and those close to Mercedes know the exact trio of candidates. As for who will be chosen in the end, not even they are certain at this point.
Initially, Wolff planned to skip the Japanese Grand Prix due to commitments in Europe, but ended up deciding to attend. He explained his change of plans, stating: “I had the intention of not coming to Japan because I have a lot to do in Europe. However, I realized that not coming to Japan would be the wrong decision. It is important for me to be with the racing team and being close to the action gives me energy. I hope it works the other way around as well. That’s why I chose not to stay in Europe.”
While Mercedes struggles with their W15 car and goes through a disappointing start to their 2024 Formula 1 season, Wolff, who led the team to numerous victories in the last decade, was asked about how to manage the team in these circumstances. He replied: “Struggles are part of being a sports team. We won eight times in a row, which has never been done before. There are periods when you face challenges, just like any other sports team, and you can’t win every time. This is a tremendous challenge. It’s not just a single race or season, but the third consecutive one. However, I am confident that in a few years we will look back and recognize how difficult, but important, this period was for the team’s development. We will reassess our tools and systems, which are not as effective as they were under previous regulations.”
Mercedes did not win a Grand Prix last year, and their star driver Hamilton has not won since 2021. The team’s only victory since then was achieved by Russell in Saudi Arabia. Hamilton’s departure from the team coincides with the resurgence of Ferrari under team principal Fred Vasseur, creating a timely moment for him to make a change.
Whoever takes Hamilton’s place alongside Russell may face a challenging situation, as Mercedes currently occupies around the fourth position in the hierarchy. They still have difficulties understanding their car, which should be the basis for their final car of this era in 2025. There doesn’t seem to be much hope for improvement in the near future for the once dominant Formula 1 team.
© 2024
The world of sports is full of emotions and fierce competitions. And in this year of 2024, it’s no different. Various sports events are taking place around the globe, and fans are eager to follow every move and result.
One of the most anticipated competitions is the World Cup, which is being held in various cities around the world. The teams are facing each other in exciting matches, and the players are showing all their talent on the field.
In addition to football, other sports are also bringing a lot of action and adrenaline to sports lovers. Basketball, for example, has the NBA in full swing. Teams are fighting for every ball and seeking victory at all costs.
Another sport that is catching the attention is Formula 1. The drivers are speeding at high speeds and showing their skills on the tracks. The race for the world championship title is intense, and any mistake can be costly.
And let’s not forget about the Olympic Games, which are scheduled to take place this year. Athletes from all over the world are preparing to compete in various disciplines, and the Olympic spirit is more alive than ever.
In summary, the world of sports is bustling and full of emotions. Fans are closely following each competition and cheering for their favorite teams and athletes. Bring on more action and sports spectacle in 2024!
