Toto Wolff: Fernando Alonso is an alternative for 2016
Toto Wolff spoke to the Italian press about Mercedes' past season. Furthermore, he is starting to consider alternative solutions in case Lewis Hamilton leaves at the end of the 2015 season, if the two parties fail to reach an agreement.
Wolff mentioned to La Gazetta Dello Sport this very special season for the world champion team of drivers and constructors, the possible presentation date of their car for this season, and their mindset for the year 2015.
This year, it was a special year for the team, we managed to win our first title with the constructors and the drivers’ championship for the first time since Fangio. The goal is very simple, it is to win for the next season. Certainly during the first tests in Spain, we will present the car. When you start to relax, you start to lose. Last season a new formula was explored, the margins for improvement are smaller and our opponents know our strength, they now know what needs to be done to compete with us. So, I ask everyone to stay vigilant and not to rely on our own achievements, explains the executive director of the Mercedes F1 team.
The strong man at Mercedes is discussing the 2015 season with his pair of drivers. Moreover, if Lewis Hamilton does not extend on the Brackley side, Toto Wolff plans a Plan A and then a Plan B: “By getting to know them, I think they will study their weaknesses during this winter to show themselves stronger for the upcoming season. I don’t mind if Hamilton races with the number 44 instead of the number 1. As for his contract renewal, there is no rush, it will be discussed during the year. If we can’t reach an agreement, Fernando Alonso is our priority to replace him, and after Fernando Alonso, our second alternative is Valtteri Bottas.”
In the columns of the Italian newspaper, Toto Wolff gives his opinion on Fernando Alonso’s departure to McLaren-Honda, however he is not worried about Honda: A team change is always risky. If you have a car in your hands that can be classified sixth, then it can potentially climb onto the podium. I am not worried about Honda more than that, they just have a power unit problem with their electronics. This has happened to each of us, on the first outing.
To conclude, he gives his opinion on the 2015 season and does not forget Ferrari: « Williams will be a tough opponent, but I think Red Bull will come back to the top, they have still won four titles in a row. They have the means to fight for the driver and constructor world championship. I do not forget Ferrari, I am convinced that they will be a serious competitor and maybe as early as 2015.
