Toto Wolff ‘fed up’ with Lewis Hamilton with Mercedes chief ‘thinking’ of replacing star

Bernie Ecclestone has claimed that Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is “fed up” with Lewis Hamilton and is thinking of replacing the blockbuster star. Hamilton has endured a miserable F1 season this year and is a lowly sixth in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

Hamilton just missed out on a record eighth F1 championship last season as Max Verstappen claimed his maiden title after winning the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi. But this year, Hamilton has been unable to keep pace with his rivals at the top of the leaderboard, with his Mercedes car struggling with porpoising issues.

The Briton still has another year remaining on his contract with the Silver Arrows. But former F1 chief Ecclestone believes Wolff has considered offering Hamilton a package to walk away from the team early.

“Toto is getting a bit fed up with Lewis,” said the 91-year-old. “I don’t think he’s trying, do you? Let’s put it another way, Lewis doesn’t seem bothered about losing. It’s not like him. He has a competitive nature – but he’s taking losing a bit easy for my liking.

“Lewis might sell his position to Toto,” “’This is how much I am getting, I’ll step down and give me half of what I would get.’ Toto can go and do one of his magic deals, offer someone less money and keep £20m. Nobody needs to tell Toto this because he has already thought of it. Lewis would probably stop under those circumstances.”

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit:/sport

Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion, and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.

We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.