Lewis Hamilton waiting on Mercedes boss Toto Wolff before deciding future

Lewis Hamilton wants to know Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s plans before he decides his future.

The six-time champion’s contract expires at the end of next season and he admitted that Wolf, who has been linked with a possible role in running the sport, could be the deciding factor in whether he stays at Mercedes or quits racing altogether.

Speaking ahead of the penultimate race of the season, the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Briton said: “Being stuck in one ­position for too long cannot always be a positive. I always want people to spread their wings and do what is best for their careers. Only he knows what that is.

“But as a business you need to have the right people in place and he has been the right person — it has been the perfect match. So I don’t particularly want him to go if I stay in the sport.

“This team is not one person but I am waiting to see where his head is at. The sport could also be in a good place with someone like him running it but I don’t know if that’s more of a fun experience.”

Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas believes he has uncovered the secret to beating team-mate Hamilton next season but insisted he was not about to get involved in the mind games successfully employed by predecessor Nico Rosberg.

“I am me, I am not Nico,” said the Finn. “I always preferred to do the talking on the track. If I start wasting my energy elsewhere, it might take my mind off the driving. I have a plan for next year but I am not willing to share it.”

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