Toto Wolff has stated that Mercedes currently has no 'Plan B' option on the table if Lewis Hamilton elects to leave their Formula 1 team. Hamilton's current contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2023, prompting speculation about the future of the seven-time World Champion. The 38-year-old had been struggling with Mercedes' troublesome W14 car this season, including falling 3-0 behind teammate George Russell in their qualifying battle, but managed to secure the team's first podium of the season in Australia. While there have been positive noises from both Hamilton and Mercedes team boss Wolff, the prospect of the Briton leaving the team - either for another team or to retire from the sport altogether - remains a possibility. In an interview with Autosport , Wolff said that he has not yet thought of any backup plan if Hamilton was to leave the team. "I think it may sound naïve, but I really struggle to think of a Plan B, if my Plan A is still the one that is my favourite," said Wolff. "I don't want to engage in discussions with other drivers, because I'm happy with the ones that are in the team, that's for sure. At the moment, there is no Plan B. It's Lewis." In the interview, Wolff also believed that the team would received sufficient warning before any decision to leave was made. "I think that he would tell us early enough," added Wolff. "I don't think that Lewis would say: 'I can't do this anymore. I'm out of here tomorrow.' "He would always feel the responsibility for the team. He wouldn't leave the team alone. Drivers can always take decisions [like that], but he wouldn't let us down. "But then, I think if you believe that you're a team that is attractive for others, you will find solutions."
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