Toto Wolff has revealed Mercedes missed out on an opportunity to approach Lando Norris due to the timing of the announcement that Lewis Hamilton had agreed terms with Ferrari.
The F1 grid is set to look vastly different next year with Hamilton making the shock switch to Ferrari from Mercedes.
The Silver Arrows took their time in announcing Hamilton’s eventual replacement with teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli being given a chance.
At just 18 years of age, Antonelli will need to be given time within a team that is expected to be competing at the front of the grid.
That could pose a risk for Mercedes next year as they attempt to close the gap to their closest rivals.
The decision to go with Antonelli wasn’t seemingly Mercedes’ first choice as Wolff has revealed they could have tried to go for Norris had Hamilton told the team earlier about his move to Ferrari.
Wolff said in the newly-released book, ‘Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane’: “I had it on my radar Lewis would go.
“I couldn’t understand why he’d change to another team before we knew if we were going to be competitive.
“It also didn’t give me time to react. I possibly missed out on negotiating with other drivers who signed deals a few weeks earlier, like Leclerc and Norris.
“But do I take that personally? This was just a business decision.
“We’ve enjoyed such a successful journey together, now we have our own objectives. This didn’t even move the needle for me.
“I’m thick-skinned. I’ve had some pretty tough moments in my life and this doesn’t compare.”
The seven-time world champion also opened up on the moment he had to tell his race team at Mercedes during a pre-season paintballing event.
Hamilton said: “It’s always been a chance for everyone to have some fun.
“So, I arrived in the car park and saw my team waiting to go in. They all looked ready to have a good time.
“I was so nervous about what I had to say that for a few minutes I couldn’t bring myself to get out of the car.
“Everyone was so kind, understanding and so positive. I’m committed to giving my all to this season.
“But later this year, I know there’s a realisation that will hit me hard. I’m not going visit the factory any more or see my team-mates, whom I adore.”
