Toto Wolff has flirted with the possibility of reaching out to Max Verstappen as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Mercedes were stunned by the news that Hamilton will be cutting his recently signed two-year deal short to join Ferrari at the end of the season.
It's a move that appears to have caught everybody by surprise and something that completes shakes up the dynamics of the grid.
Hamilton's departure from Mercedes also raises questions on who Wolff will choose to succeed the seven-time world champion.
Max Verstappen could replace Lewis Hamilton
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A host of drivers are out of contract at the end of the 2024 season while Mick Schumacher is also touted as an option given his role as the team's reserve driver.
Fernando Alonso has been backed by some to step into Hamilton's shoes with 14 drivers from this year's grid all out of contract.
While Hamilton's departure will no doubt hurt Mercedes, they at least have time on their hands to make a decision.
Verstappen has already tied himself down to a long-term deal with Red Bull and has previously stated his desire to honour the deal.
However, Hamilton's surprise exit from Mercedes has blown things wide open in F1 and Wolff has teased a possible conversation with Verstappen to find out whether it would be a possible move.
“We will always be committed to having the best conceivable driver duo in our cars,” Wolff told RTL.
“For that, we will not shy away from the various conversations either. We have now seen how quickly something can change.
"But having said that, we will respect existing contracts.”
Hamilton released an emotional statement confirming his imminent departure from Mercedes last week.
The F1 grid will likely massively different next year
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"I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together," he said.
"Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old.
"It's a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
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Toto Wolff has time to find Lewis Hamilton's replacement
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"But the time is right for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge.
"I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together.
"I am 100 per cent committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember."
