![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/toto-wolff-explains-max-verstappen-and-charles-leclerc-stance-after-lewis-hamilton-deal/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/0_Toto-Wolff-SKY-SPORTS-010923.jpg&description=After months of few updates of substance on a contract which seemed to be a formality, Mercedes finally announced seven-time F1 champion Hamilton's new deal on Thursday Toto Wolff said he considered no other Formula 1 drivers before tying Lewis Hamilton down to a new deal. Almost a year has passed since Hamilton declared his intention to sign a new contract with Mercedes, while Wolff had also made it clear that was what he wanted. Despite them being on the same page, the deal was only announced finally on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix. Speaking to Sky Sports at Monza, the team principal was in a jovial mood as he cracked jokes about the amount of time it took to get to this point. He also said the deal was signed some time ago, but an announcement was delayed while it was legally ratified. "We already signed in May but we didn't tell anybody," he smirked. "Keep a bit of suspense. In all seriousness, we knew that we had an agreement, not only emotionally but on paper many weeks ago but it was just you get lawyers on the case and they find stuff." Given how long it took to reach the agreement, most teams would understandably at least take a look at what their alternative options might be. But, when asked by Martin Brundle whether the likes of Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc were considered, Wolff made it clear he only ever had his eye on one outcome. "No. I've always said that when we renew, I don't want to flirt outside if I have a good relationship," said the Austrian. "Only when I see that things are not going in the right direction then I would test the market, but I didn't do it." Catch all the action from Formula One on Sky Sports and get exclusive access to races, qualifying and much more for every Grand Prix. From Max Verstappen to Lewis Hamilton, you won't miss a lap on Sky Sports. £22 a month Hamilton's new deal keeps him with the team and in F1 until the end of the 2025 season. And George Russell has also committed for a similar leng){kind=link}
After months of few updates of substance on a contract which seemed to be a formality, Mercedes finally announced seven-time F1 champion Hamilton’s new deal on Thursday
Toto Wolff said he considered no other Formula 1 drivers before tying Lewis Hamilton down to a new deal.
Almost a year has passed since Hamilton declared his intention to sign a new contract with Mercedes, while Wolff had also made it clear that was what he wanted. Despite them being on the same page, the deal was only announced finally on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
Speaking to Sky Sports at Monza, the team principal was in a jovial mood as he cracked jokes about the amount of time it took to get to this point. He also said the deal was signed some time ago, but an announcement was delayed while it was legally ratified.
“We already signed in May but we didn’t tell anybody,” he smirked. “Keep a bit of suspense. In all seriousness, we knew that we had an agreement, not only emotionally but on paper many weeks ago but it was just you get lawyers on the case and they find stuff.”