Topics: Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, Fernando Alonso, George Russell
A new clip from Drive to Survive has revealed the massive promise Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made to Lewis Hamilton about rival Max Verstappen.
In just three days, the highly-anticipated seventh season of Netflix's popular Drive to Survive series will be released, giving Formula One fans an exclusive behind the scenes look at the biggest moments of last season.
While big moments like Verstappen's clashes with George Russell or Red Bull boss Christian Horner's alleged "inappropriate behaviour", are expected to be covered, perhaps the most exciting topic that will be covered is the fallout of Hamilton's shock move to Ferrari.
Ahead of the season's official release on Friday, details of one clip showing Wolff discussing Hamilton's move have emerged, and it's as dramatic as you could hope.
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While speaking to Sky Sports in 2023, Hamilton suggested that he would happily be teammates with any driver on the grid, including Verstappen who he enjoyed a fierce and fiery rivalry with in the 2021 season.
However, it would now appear that this wasn't the case, as the Sky Sports have revealed that a clip from the upcoming series of Drive to Survive appears to suggest that Wolff promised Hamilton he would not bring Verstappen to Mercedes while the Brit was still there.
The behind-the-scenes footage shows the Mercedes boss speaking with his wife Susie Wolff about who would be a suitable replacement Hamilton, given the F1 legend's importance to the team.
After the pair consider several options, Susie asks:"You don't think Max is an option?"
Toto replies: "I think he is. But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is."
To which Susie says: "There's not much reason to leave."
Before Toto answers: "I haven't spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn't talk to him but I will have the conversation now."
Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were also discussed by the pair, with the latter dismissed as only an interim option given the fact that he is approaching his 44th birthday.
Instead, Mercedes ultimately opted for 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, handing Russell the opportunity to step up as the team's first driver.
