Team Mercedes is still looking for a suitable driver to replace retired world champion Nico Rosberg as his sudden retirement announcement has left one of the most coveted seat vacant with team Mercedes. However team mate Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes have an obligation to consult him on who should replace the retired world champion Nico Rosberg as his Formula One team mate next season, but he will have no say in their ultimate decision.
Hamilton, the triple world champion told Channel 4 television “Basically, once they’ve dwindled it down to five drivers, or whatever it is, the shortlist, contractually they have to discuss with me.” But I don’t have a say who it is.”
The Briton, whose relationship with Rosberg was highly competitive, sometimes glacial and frequently fraught, has said he does not care who his team mate is but he clarified that in the interview as being “a little bit out of context”.
He said, “It is important who we have in the second car — it’s important for the team’s morale.” “We’ve seen in other teams and times where it can be a poisonous effect on a team, the arch rivalry between drivers. And so for sure that’s really important, because I’m really happy here, I love being where I am. Hamilton further added, “We’ve got to make sure that whatever we bring is at least as good as what we had, if not better, in terms of creating that energy.”
Mercedes have been seeking a replacement for Rosberg since the German stunned the sport by announcing his retirement five days after winning the title in Abu Dhabi at the end of November. With Nico Rosberg’s retirement Hamilton is seen as a clear favourite to regain the title next year. Hamilton has won 10 races last year to Rosberg’s nine, said when Mercedes will decide it would be entirely their call as to whom to appoint for the much coveted seat. At the current moment Finland’s Valtteri Botas is currently under contract to Williams is a clear favourite with German reserve Pascal Wehrlein also an available option for team Mercedes. But the team is not likely to make any announcement until the New Year.
Hamilton further said, “They can put any driver they want – bring Sebastian (Vettel), Fernando (Alonso), bring whoever you really want,” said Hamilton. “I drove against Fernando in my first year (at McLaren in 2007), and beat him, so that’s not a worry for me.
“I am happy to drive against any of them. But in terms of what is best for the team, probably not the best ideas.”
