Wolff doesn't rule out that second Mercedes driver will be announced later

Mercedes were due to decide in September who Lewis Hamilton's new teammate would be in 2022. Toto Wolff now seems to be putting the brakes on, however, as prior to the Belgian Grand Prix weekend the German formation's team boss stated that it will now 'depend on the circumstances' after all.

According to Wolff in conversation with the Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport it is top priority for Mercedes to "be transparent with Valtteri and George". "After all, for a driver there is nothing more difficult than not knowing whether or not you have a permanent seat for the following year."

The decision will therefore also follow quickly, but when the choice will be presented to the outside world is still unknown. "We will decide very quickly. But whether we will make the announcement in September will depend on the circumstances," explained the Austrian chief.

One driver will be disappointed

Both drivers will indeed want clarity as soon as possible. Firstly because they then know where they stand and can therefore race more freely and secondly because teams like Alfa Romeo Racing and Red Bull Racing also decide on their line-up for next season in September. There are already few places available for 2022 and so Bottas and Russell will not want to wait too long for a decision from the Mercedes camp.