Wolff: Mercedes' 2025 Driver decision unchanged by winning streak

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made it clear that the team's recent return to winning form will not influence their decision-making process for Lewis Hamilton's replacement in 2025.

The statement comes as the Brackley-based outfit celebrates back-to-back victories, marking a significant turnaround in their Formula 1 fortunes.

Resurgence on the track

After a challenging start to the season, Mercedes has found its stride, propelled by a series of key updates.

The transformation began with an upgraded front wing rushed to the Monaco Grand Prix, which has since catapulted the team into contention with Red Bull and McLaren.

George Russell's pole position and podium in Canada signaled the team's resurgence, followed by victories in Austria and Britain.

Lewis Hamilton's drought-breaking triumph at Silverstone last weekend, coming after a Mercedes front-row lockout in qualifying, underscored the team's remarkable progress.

However, with Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari at the season's end, attention has naturally turned to who will fill the seven-time champion's seat.

Wolff's measured approach

Despite the recent success, Wolff remains adamant that the team's improved performance won't alter their approach to selecting Hamilton's successor.

"It doesn't influence our thinking,"

Wolff stated.

"I've always said we need a car that goes quick and when we have a car that goes quick, we put the driver in and we get interesting. Interesting for many drivers."

The Austrian emphasized the need for calm and continued focus on the current season, suggesting that the recent victories haven't dramatically shifted the landscape of potential candidates.

The Antonelli factor

One name that has been prominently linked with the Mercedes seat is Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The young Italian, currently competing in his rookie F2 season, has been touted as a potential direct promotion to F1.

Wolff had previously suggested that Antonelli needed to "learn to swim" and "perform in cold water," a challenge the driver emphatically answered with a dominant win in wet conditions during the F2 sprint race at Silverstone.

Reflecting on Antonelli's performance, Wolff said,

"Seeing him on Saturday walking over the water, at times two seconds quicker than everybody else, you can see the talent and the ability and the potential this young guy has."

"Winning that race I think took a lot of weight off his shoulders."

While Antonelli remains a strong contender, other drivers, including Carlos Sainz, have re-emerged as potential candidates in recent weeks.

The decision-making process appears to be far from over, with Wolff keen to maintain focus on the current season while keeping options open for 2025.

As Mercedes continues its resurgence on track, the team faces the intriguing challenge of balancing immediate success with long-term planning.