Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has declared that he wants “to beat” Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari on…read more
Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, has made it clear that while his personal friendship with Lewis Hamilton remains strong, his competitive drive will take precedence as the 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off. Wolff has declared his intention to beat Hamilton, now a driver for Ferrari, on the racetrack in 2025. Despite their long-standing relationship, Wolff emphasized that once the season begins, it’s all about racing and striving for victory, even if it means challenging his former driver.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season is one of the most significant changes in his storied F1 career. After spending over a decade at Mercedes, where he became one of the most decorated drivers in F1 history, Hamilton will take to the track for the Scuderia. His move from Mercedes, announced over a year ago, marks only the second team change of his career. The first was back in 2013 when he left McLaren for Mercedes. Now, after 12 successful seasons with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton is ready to embark on a new chapter with Ferrari.
During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton achieved remarkable feats, including equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven World Championships and becoming the first driver in F1 history to reach 100 race wins and pole positions. However, his time with the team took a downturn in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, when Mercedes struggled with the new ground-effect regulations and Hamilton found himself without a victory for the first time in his career. These challenging seasons played a role in Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari, hoping for a fresh start and a new challenge.
Hamilton’s debut for Ferrari comes after an extensive period of testing and preparation. In January 2025, he visited Ferrari’s Maranello factory and the Fiorano test track, marking the first time he stepped into Ferrari’s world. Since then, he has undergone a series of private testing sessions to ensure he is fully prepared for the season ahead.
Wolff, who oversaw Hamilton’s rise to prominence at Mercedes, acknowledged the emotional aspect of the situation but made it clear that when it comes to racing, business is business. In a conversation with Austrian outlet ORF, Wolff reflected on his long friendship with Hamilton, saying, “We are still very good friends. On a personal level, I wish him only the best, but on the track, I want to beat him.” Wolff’s competitive spirit is unwavering, and despite the bond they share, he is determined to outpace Hamilton and Ferrari as Mercedes focuses on returning to the top.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is a huge development in the F1 landscape, and it will certainly make for an exciting dynamic in the 2025 season. Mercedes, despite the friendly rivalry with Hamilton, is focused on returning to championship contention after a tough couple of years. Wolff’s comments reflect the high stakes and intense competition that define Formula 1, where personal ties must sometimes be put aside in the pursuit of victory. As the season unfolds, the rivalry between Mercedes and Ferrari, with Hamilton at the heart of it, is set to be one of the most captivating storylines of 2025.
