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Lewis hamilton
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has downplayed Lewis Hamilton’s name appearing on the 2021 Formula 1 entry list despite the lack of a signed contract.
Hamilton is out of contract after tonight’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and discussions about his future have dragged on for various reasons.
The most recent of these was the Briton’s positive COVID-19 test, which saw him miss the Sakhir Grand Prix while in isolation.
During the week, Hamilton’s name appeared alongside Mercedes as one of his two drivers for the upcoming season.
“Yeah, I was thinking who to put there; Lewis or myself, ”Wolff joked when asked if that meant a contract announcement was imminent.
But in the end, I opted for Lewis. Hopefully soon (we will resolve the contract).
“I think we were delayed because he was not feeling well, and I think this is not the right time to sit down.
“We were planning to sit down the other week so it will be a little later.
“But I don’t want to put a date on it, because I don’t want to be harassed about why it isn’t signed yet.”
Hamilton qualified third for the season-ending race at Yas Marina, overtaken by Max Verstappen and his teammate Valtteri Bottas, as the top three were covered by less than a tenth of a second.
That came despite Hamilton admitting that he was still feeling the effects of the virus, as the 35-year-old was cleared to travel on Thursday.
“I can really feel for those who have it and have suffered from it, for those who have lost some and I can understand why because it is a nasty virus,” said Hamilton.
“I am not one hundred percent. I still have some tenderness in my lungs, but would nevertheless normally drive if one of my arms was hanging down.
“That is what we do as racing drivers and fortunately that is not the case.
“It will definitely not be the easiest race physically, I mean, I will handle it and give absolutely everything I have.”
Wolff supported Hamilton’s decision, suggesting that it was up to the seven-time champion to decide if he was ready to compete in the 55-lap event.
“Our racing drivers are obviously always interested in getting back into the race car, even if it isn’t 100 percent,” reasoned the Mercedes team principal.
“I think that is expected after 10 days of COVID-19. You’re not going to be in your A game, but I think it’s good enough to compete.
“I think it is absolutely his decision to decide if he is fit enough or not.
“He is a very experienced rider, he knows his health very well, he has tested negative and sometimes the drivers are not perfectly well, but they continue to race, and I think this is the situation.”
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the 2020 F1 season, is scheduled to start at 00:10 AEDT on Sunday night / Monday morning.
