Wolff addresses Hamilton replacement as discovery made

Toto Wolff has insisted Mercedes' recent form has not changed its thinking for its 2025 driver pairing. 

Mercedes has won back-to-back races for the first time since 2021, with George Russell taking the chequered flag in Austria followed by Lewis Hamilton in the British Grand Prix a week later.

The seven-time F1 champion, of course, leaves Mercedes to join Ferrari next season on a multi-year deal, freeing up a seat at the Silver Arrows. 

Mercedes' teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been heavily linked to fill the vacancy in 2025 and to partner George Russell, who has a further year on his contract. 

Although Mercedes' star is again rising and putting it in the fight for next year's championships, team boss Wolff is not letting this alter his mindset regarding who should replace Hamilton.

"It doesn't influence our thinking," Wolff told select media including RacingNews365. "I've always said we need a car that goes quick.

"And when we have a car that goes quick, you put a driver in and it gets interesting for many drivers.

"We need to stay calm and continue the season, continue to focus on the car, and then look at whether the options are still the same.

"But it's not like this changes everything upside down."

Mercedes data 'making sense'

It has been a remarkable recovery from the Brackley-based team, which appears to finally be on top of its problems. 

For the first time since the current regulations were introduced in 2022, Mercedes is understanding the data being produced in the simulator and the wind tunnel through the leadership of technical director James Allison.

As a result, the W15 is finally balanced for Russell and Hamilton, making both drivers more comfortable on the circuit.

"There was a moment where led by James, suddenly the data made sense and the gap," added Wolff. 

"The way we made it, we balanced the cars and how we could bring it in a better sweet spot. 

"That was the main thing. It wasn't a mirror or a front wing, it is more of a balance we achieved."