Wolff reveals private message to Hamilton after Ferrari arrival……read more
Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, has revealed that he privately spoke to Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time world champion made his debut with Ferrari. Hamilton, who had been with Mercedes for over a decade, made the decision to leave the team and join Ferrari following three consecutive years where he was not in contention for the Formula 1 championship. The 2024 season, which would be Hamilton’s final year with Mercedes, was particularly difficult, with the 40-year-old finishing seventh in the championship standings and trailing behind his teammate George Russell. During this challenging year, Hamilton openly questioned his own abilities, raising speculation about his future in the sport.
After this tough season, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari marked the end of an era for Mercedes, and the team began preparing for life without their star driver. Mercedes unveiled their 2025 team lineup, which includes George Russell and the young driver Kimi Antonelli. Wolff has expressed that he believes the decision for Hamilton to move on was the right one for both of them, signaling the start of a new chapter in both their careers.
In a conversation with Sky Sports, Wolff shared that he had reached out to Hamilton after his arrival at Ferrari. He complimented Hamilton’s style, particularly referring to the image of him posing in front of Enzo Ferrari’s house in Maranello, dressed in an elegant Ferragamo suit. Wolff called the moment “iconic,” admiring how Hamilton’s fashionable appearance resonated with the Ferrari legacy. The image was widely appreciated, even earning the most-liked post on Instagram for F1. Wolff praised Hamilton for his distinct sense of style and professionalism, acknowledging how he carried himself with grace during this major career transition.
Looking ahead, Wolff noted that the split between Mercedes and Hamilton was mutually beneficial, allowing both parties to move forward in a positive direction. Mercedes, after years of success with Hamilton, now aims to refresh and reinvent itself with a younger driver lineup. George Russell, who has shown great promise and talent, will remain a key part of Mercedes’ future, but Wolff also highlighted the importance of the addition of a fresh, younger driver to the team. This strategic move is part of Mercedes’ plan to build a future that is not solely dependent on a senior driver, and to strengthen their team for the years to come.
Wolff explained that while the departure of Hamilton marks a significant change for Mercedes, it was a step that made sense for both the team and the driver. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed with the new driver lineup, while acknowledging the importance of adapting and evolving in Formula 1. The switch for Hamilton, too, marks the beginning of a new phase in his career, with the hopes of challenging for future championships with Ferrari. Wolff’s comments highlight the mutual respect between him and Hamilton, as well as an understanding that both their paths are heading in new and exciting directions.
