Source – Formula1.com
In an interview, Toto Wolff hinted that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, may have felt the need to “reinvent himself” in light of his upcoming switch from Mercedes to Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari caused a seismic shift in the world of Formula 1 at the start of the year when it was announced that the seven-time world champion would be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton, a dominant force at Mercedes for over a decade, will replace Carlos Sainz as Charles Leclerc’s teammate, marking the end of one of the most iconic partnerships in F1 history. The move, made possible by Hamilton activating an exit clause in his contract a year early, sent shockwaves through the paddock and beyond.
This decision wasn’t simply about changing teams—it was the culmination of a long, transparent discussion between Hamilton and Mercedes. Team Principal Toto Wolff, in an interview with BBC Sport, reflected on the nature of Hamilton’s departure and the rationale behind it. When asked if there were any regrets about allowing Hamilton to leave, Wolff was resolute. “No,” he responded. “We decided as a team, and we were always very transparent with Lewis. The good thing with him is that he’s able to put himself in your position and understand where we were coming from.”
Wolff made it clear that Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari wasn’t driven by any feelings of betrayal or bitterness. In fact, the Mercedes chief suggested it might have been the best thing for Hamilton. “It was also for the good of him to change,” Wolff said. “This was the longest run between a driver and a team. It was 12 years overall. Maybe he needed to, in a way, change and reinvent himself.”
Hamilton’s 12-year tenure with Mercedes stands as one of the longest and most successful partnerships in Formula 1 history. Together, they won six drivers’ titles and helped shape Hamilton’s legacy as one of the greatest drivers of all time. However, as Wolff pointed out, even the most successful runs sometimes need a fresh start. “Being a driver for Ferrari is super-prestigious,” Wolff continued. “Maybe for us as a team also it is important to emancipate ourselves and go in a different direction.”
For Hamilton, the allure of Ferrari—the team that has been synonymous with Formula 1 for decades—was undeniable. The opportunity to drive for the Scuderia, where legends like Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Kimi Raikkonen have etched their names in history, presented Hamilton with the chance to close his career on a new, grand stage.
While Hamilton embarks on his Ferrari journey, Mercedes will turn to a new chapter with an exciting prospect. In his place, 18-year-old Italian driver Kimi Antonelli will step into the spotlight, teaming up with George Russell for the 2025 season. Antonelli, who has been impressing in Formula 2, represents the next generation of Mercedes talent. His promotion to Formula 1 marks the fifth different full-time driver lineup for the Silver Arrows since their return as a factory team in 2010.
Wolff acknowledged the challenge that awaits Antonelli but expressed confidence in the young driver’s readiness. “You will only find out if someone is ready for F1 when you throw them in the cold water,” Wolff admitted. “I think Kimi is prepared. We are doing the utmost to give him testing days.”
However, Wolff was quick to temper expectations. While Antonelli has shown immense talent, making the jump to Formula 1 and competing alongside someone as formidable as George Russell won’t be easy. “You can’t expect an 18-year-old to sit in the car and outperform George,” Wolff said. “That’s not going to happen. Impossible.”
Wolff emphasized the need to provide Antonelli with the right environment to learn and develop his skills at the highest level. “He has the talent, the intelligence, the ability—all of it to do it well. And we need to provide an environment where he can learn and grow.”
As Mercedes prepares for life after Hamilton, the focus will be on cultivating Antonelli’s potential while maintaining the high standards they’ve set in Formula 1. The pairing of Antonelli and Russell will bring a fresh dynamic to the team, offering a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise. This transition, while bittersweet, marks an exciting new era for Mercedes as they continue to evolve in the sport.
For now, the motorsport world watches closely as Hamilton dons the red of Ferrari, ready to embark on the next chapter of his legendary career. Meanwhile, Mercedes will look to its future, hoping that Kimi Antonelli can follow in the footsteps of the greats who came before him and carve his own path in Formula 1 history.
