Lewis Hamilton will look to quit Mercedes as Toto Wolff sets deadline to change his mind | F1 | Sport

Lewis Hamilton could quit Mercedes if the Silver Arrows remain uncompetitive, according to team boss Toto Wolff. The Austrian confirmed Hamilton could look at other teams if the German manufacturer is still uncompetitive “in the next couple of years”. 

He was clear Hamilton needed to “make sure he has the car” capable of winning to secure an eighth championship before he hangs up his helmet. Wolff made the remarks at Friday’s press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Initially, he suggested Hamilton was unlikely to leave the squad but appeared to quickly change his mind. Wolff explained: “I don’t think Lewis is leaving Mercedes. “I don’t think Lewis will leave Mercedes. He is at the stage of the career where we trust each other and we have formed a great bond with each other. 

“We have no reason to doubt each other even if this is a difficult spell. So nice it will be when we come out of this valley of tears and come back to solid performances. 

“As a driver, nevertheless, if he wants to win another World Championship, he needs to make sure he has the car. If we cannot demonstrate that we are able to give him a car in the next couple of years then he needs to look everywhere.”