MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff has strongly dismissed claims suggesting that Sergio Perez could replace Lewis Hamilton next season. Perez, 32, was linked with the seat amid Hamilton’s poor run of form earlier this year. The Mercedes man has struggled to compete with both Red Bull and Ferrari since the F1 season began in March, leaving him increasingly frustrated. But, while some reports have hinted that the seven-time world champion could leave or even retire at the end of this year, Wolff has revealed that there are no plans to replace him, especially with Red Bull’s Perez. Hamilton has struggled to get to grips with the new-look Mercedes car this year.

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