---
title: "Mercedes’ Toto Wolff Opens up About Lewis Hamilton and the 2018 F1 Season"
description: "Executive Director and Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Toto Wolff, recently went on camera to answer a few questions about the upcoming 2018 season."
date: "2018-02-03"
modified: "2018-02-03"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18190/mercedes-toto-wolff-opens-up-about-lewis-hamilton-and-the-2018-f1-season"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Formula One"
  - "Lewis Hamilton"
  - "Mercedes-AMG"
  - "Mercedes-AMG"
  - "racing"
  - "Valtteri Bottas"
---

# Mercedes’ Toto Wolff Opens up About Lewis Hamilton and the 2018 F1 Season

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/02/mapm_2017_wallpapers_r20_abudhabi_desktop_1920x1080_7-1920x10801.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

To say that the circus of Formula One never sleeps is an understatement. With the exception of the FIA-mandated breaks that force teams to shut down for periods of time over the summer, top teams like Mercedes-AMG Petronas work tirelessly around the clock to develop next year's title contenders.

Executive Director and Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport [Toto Wolff](<https://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/16543/mercedes-joins-ferrari-in-clash-with-f1-owners-liberty-media>) recently went on camera to answer a few questions about the upcoming 2018 season. The majority of the questions surrounded the development of the upcoming W09, the longest-ever F1 season (21 races), the introduction of [all-new tires](<https://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/16497/hamilton-says-hypersoft-compound-tire-is-the-best-since-pirellis-f1-return>), and of course, Lewis Hamilton's contract.

https://youtube.com/embed/Eid67Um9Exg

When asked about the status of Hamilton's agreement, Wolff answered: "Lewis has become such an important pillar within the team, that it's a no-brainer that we continue with each other." Further adding that "negotiations are ongoing" and that it's only a "matter of time until we see him [put a signature to the document](<https://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/13990/lewis-hamilton-expects-to-re-sign-with-mercedes>)."

The Malaysian-backed German racing team has had an impressive few years in F1, but the 2017 season was an all-out success. The Silver Arrows scored 12 race wins, four 1-2 finishes, 15 pole positions, 26 podiums, 18 front-row starts, and three front-row lockouts. Of course, it's the championship points that secure the biggest share of the FIA's money, and Wolff's team did exceptionally well by winning the Constructors' Championship with a total of 668 points.

Will 2018 be Mercedes' and [Hamilton's](<https://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/16889/lewis-hamilton-says-he-doesnt-have-the-desire-to-match-schumachers-record>) fifth consecutive title?

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)