Toto Wolff acknowledged he made big mistake with Lewis Hamilton – ‘You weren’t…read more
In a candid reflection, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged a significant misjudgment regarding the team’s car development strategy, which may have contributed to Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari. This revelation was highlighted in an episode of Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’, where Wolff discussed the team’s adherence to the zero-pod design concept under the new ground-effect regulations.
Wolff admitted that persisting with the zero-pod concept, despite its initial promise, was a critical error. He stated, “Last year, the development of the car, you weren’t happy with me. You know, sticking to the concept from last year, holding on to it because of the encouraging results at the end—the biggest [failure].” This approach led to a car that underperformed, causing frustration for Hamilton, who had been vocal about his concerns regarding the car’s competitiveness.
The culmination of these issues coincided with Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In a symbolic gesture, Hamilton arrived at the event dressed in an all-red outfit, reflecting his impending move to Ferrari. However, his final qualifying session with Mercedes was marred by misfortune. A bollard dislodged by another driver became lodged under his car, severely impacting its performance and resulting in an 18th-place qualification. Wolff expressed his regret over the incident, stating, “I just need to apologise to Lewis, also to everyone in the team that worked so hard in making it a great end for him. He was the quicker guy with that kind of set-up that we choose on the car, it was an experiment for next year. And we totally let him down. An … .”
Hamilton’s departure marks the end of a remarkable 12-year tenure with Mercedes, during which he secured six of his seven World Championships. His move to Ferrari fulfills a childhood dream and represents a new chapter in his illustrious career. Reflecting on the transition, Wolff noted the emotional difficulty of Hamilton’s decision. He recounted, “I saw the pain in him to tell me. My feeling was ‘Why now? When are we announcing this?’ He said: ‘Well, it’s leaking.'” Wolff acknowledged that while it was a challenging moment, it spared them a more difficult conversation about the future.
In the wake of Hamilton’s departure, Mercedes has promoted 18-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Formula 2 to partner with George Russell for the upcoming season. Wolff emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent within the team, stating, “I think it’s important to have faith in the people within your team and not always look at the grass on the other side.” He expressed a preference for developing drivers internally to avoid the “contamination” of external experiences.
As Hamilton prepares for his debut season with Ferrari, he has already begun car testing ahead of the 2025 season opener in Australia. His move to Ferrari has been met with widespread anticipation, given the team’s rich history and strong fashion ties. Hamilton, known for his distinctive style, has often been seen as a fashion icon, making his association with Ferrari a fitting match.
The transition also highlights the evolving dynamics within Formula 1, as teams and drivers navigate the challenges of new regulations and competitive pressures. Wolff’s admission of strategic errors underscores the complexities involved in maintaining a leading position in the sport. As Mercedes embarks on a new chapter with a refreshed driver lineup, the team will be keen to learn from past missteps and reestablish its dominance on the grid.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari not only signifies a personal milestone but also sets the stage for intriguing developments in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this high-profile transition influences the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
In conclusion, the acknowledgment of past mistakes by Mercedes’ leadership, coupled with Hamilton’s strategic career move, reflects the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Formula 1. As teams and drivers adapt to new challenges, the 2025 season promises to be a compelling chapter in the sport’s storied history.
