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Wolff on Hamilton's new contract and qualifying in Hungary

Wolff on Hamilton’s contract: ‘Haven't signed it, but emotionally we have'

22 July 2023 at 17:49
Last update 22 July 2023 at 18:11

Even before Lewis Hamilton got his 104th Pole Position at the Hungaroring, Toto Wolff had some important news on the seven-time world champion’s new contract. Wolff, after qualifying, also commented on his team’s result, with George Russell only finishing in P18 thanks to getting stuck in traffic ahead of his final lap.

Hamilton’s contract

"We haven't signed it [Hamilton contract], but emotionally we have done it," Wolff told Sky Sports ahead of Qualifying. "Honestly, I just don't have any more information for you to share this week. It's with the lawyers, back and forth."

The Austrian continued: "I've not been a part of it the whole time. I've been removed from it from the beginning. I wanted to be able to focus on all the other things that I have going on. The team are working on it in the background. There's no negotiation left, it's just all the small bits."

Wolff on Qualifying

While Toto Wolff was content with Hamilton’s position, because of George Russell’s P18, he was not completely satisfied. "Bittersweet, obviously very happy for Lewis. The car, the team, we have a fast car. Unfortunately for George it's the sour part. He was there, he could have fought for that second row and we let him down," he told DAZN Spain.

On the other hand, Wolff also expects Verstappen to win the race on Sunday. "No, (victory) is not possible, you can't beat Verstappen on his long runs. They were completely from another planet. Maybe a second quicker, but closer to second than half a second."