Mercedes want to give “equal opportunity” to Hamilton & Bottas for 2020

Hamilton will be chasing Michael Schumachers record of seven World Championships and could eclipse his win record of 91 victories, sitting only seven behind on 84.
 
While Bottas has made his intentions to win a first World Championship clear, having had his contract with the Silver Arrows extended for another year with Wolff wanting to be fair to both.

“Next year is the tricky one,” Wolff said to the official F1 website.

“I’m really personally looking forward to the 2020 season, to try to be the best, come up with the best power unit, come up with the best chassis, have the drivers in the right space.

“We have been always very neutral to the drivers, and we want to provide them with equal equipment and equal opportunity, and [for them to] both know that. There is no hidden agenda within Mercedes, and no politics. 

“I think we will see how we get out of the blocks, and I hope Valtteri will have a great season, but equally I obviously cheer for Lewis to giving it his best at a seventh title to equal Michael’s record.”

Having battled a difficult season for Mercedes with the loss of Niki Lauda in May, Wolff is relieved it has come to an end.

“I think overall, the season with all its up and downs, was tough, and for me this is the best moment now – somehow total relief,” he added.

“It wasn’t before, even when we won the championship, but this is Abu Dhabi now, the last race, it’s finally over. We can go home.

“At the moment, I feel just relief for the first time this season and I have this sense of fun, thinking about next year, which is a positive sign.

“So I think we need to sit down and define the objectives for next year, see where we can improve, where we need to maintain the level. That’s an exciting exercise.”