Lewis Hamilton puts Toto Wolff in awkward position with Kimi Antonelli offer
Lewis Hamilton offered to teach rookie Kimi Antonelli how to "work" Toto Wolff in order to secure better contract terms at Mercedes. The seven-time Formula 1 champion spent 12 years with the Brackley-based team, earning hundreds of millions of pounds during that spell.
Antonelli's contractual situation remains far less secure than his predecessor's, who has committed to a multi-year agreement with Ferrari after switching from Mercedes during the winter break. But the 18-year-old currently only has a deal with the Silver Arrows until the end of the current season.
The Italian youngster has already claimed his first F1 podium finish, though he has also committed some expensive mistakes – which is to be expected from a newcomer to the sport who has been fast-tracked in the way Antonelli has.
Team principal Wolff has faith in Antonelli's abilities, demonstrated clearly by the decision to elevate him to a Mercedes racing seat following just half-a-season in Formula 2. And he conceded before the start of this season that the teenager would still be raw.
Nevertheless, with the possibility of securing Max Verstappen's signature for 2026, the Austrian has chosen not to extend either of his current drivers' deals. Antonelli was questioned about his contract discussions before the Belgian Grand Prix.
"That's the one-million dollar question," he began, before Sky Sports commentator David Croft interjected and jokingly asked whether that represented his Mercedes salary. Before the 18-year-old could continue his response, Hamilton, who was seated next to him during the press conference, intervened.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen to Mercedes rumours will only intensify after George Russell admission
The Brit declared: "I can help you with the contract. I know how to work Toto, don't worry." Antonelli, chuckling, went on to say: "I've never been worried, to be honest. I know the situation, and I know what the team wants, especially looking at the future. So I think also Toto has been clear recently, and that's obviously good to see.
"But I think the team is working well. The line-up is good. I mean me and George are working well together, and we are trying to work together as a team to find performance again. I think we're doing a pretty good job, and there's a really good atmosphere in the team."
"I'm sure the team knows what's the best for especially next year, and I'm pretty confident that I'm in a good position." Luckily for Antonelli, it seems Wolff has made up his mind. Before the race in Spa-Francorchamps, he told ORF: "So they are all up to date. The direction of travel is definitely that we want to continue with George and Kimi.
"That is the absolute priority. But you can't look past someone like Max and the plans he has for the future. We did that, but I don't think there will be any big surprises."
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