F1 Today | Hamilton urges F1 to make major revamp, Wolff wants F1 seat for 'fish poisoning' wildcard

Lewis Hamilton has called for sweeping changes to Formula 1’s internal systems, taking aim at contract restrictions that prevent drivers from even speaking to rival teams.

Speaking to Belgian outlet RTBF, the Ferrari star pointed to the sport’s massive revenue growth, from $700 million to over $3 billion, and argued that pay for many staff members has not grown in line with F1’s profits.

He also criticised the ongoing lack of diversity within the paddock, saying the sport still has “a lot of things” to improve.

Hamilton’s vision for change goes beyond the paddock gates. He urged F1 to leave a positive legacy in the countries it visits by offering more opportunities to local communities and protecting the environment.

This, he said, should include proper recycling and upcycling programmes at race venues.

Drawing a comparison to past campaigns for driver safety led by figures like Niki Lauda, Hamilton believes the next big push must focus on sustainability and accessibility for all.

Toto Wolff has hailed Valtteri Bottas as a driver who could step into a Mercedes at a moment’s notice and instantly deliver top-level performance.

The Finn, who joined the team in 2017 after Nico Rosberg’s shock retirement, partnered Lewis Hamilton for five seasons before moving to Alfa Romeo-Sauber in 2022.

For 2025, Bottas found himself without a seat as Sauber went for a mix of experience and youth with Nico Hülkenberg and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, also cutting ties with Guanyu Zhou.

Even so, Bottas’ time on the sidelines may be short-lived. GPblog understands the 10-time race winner has already secured a deal with Cadillac for 2026.

Wolff emphasised that Bottas “deserves a race seat” and highlighted the comfort of knowing their reserve driver can match the pace of full-time racers, underlining the depth of talent still in Mercedes’ corner.