Wolff: Nico’s contract was never in doubt

Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff revealed that extending Nico Rosberg’s contract with the team was always going to happen

Wolff told Sky Sports, “It was never in doubt that we wanted to stay with Nico and I guess it was of interest to him to stay in the best current car. So we had the right spirit and the right momentum in those discussions but the final signature came last night.”

Amid growing tension between reigning F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and Rosberg, Wolff admits that with two high calibre drivers in the team more clashes and internal controversies may well be inevitable.

“No, I’m never confident that we are on top of the issues,” revealed Wolff, “It’s rock and roll – or they rock the boat – but we are conscious in that decision. We know that sometimes it can be a more bumpy road having two number one drivers in the car that keep pushing each other.”

“It raises the performance of the car but it gives those moments where it’s about managing a difficult situation, so we are conscious about that.”

Nevertheless Wolff is adamant that there is no number one driver and number two driver in the Silver Arrows camp.

“It was always very clear with the two of them that this is the philosophy that we will follow of having absolute equal material and equal opportunity. I don’t see this happening, I hope it goes on until the end. It’s exciting for us, it’s exciting for the fans. It might make me grow some grey hair but up to now I’m doing OK!” added Wolff.

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