After the sensational news that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari in 2025, the F1 world is now ultra-attentive. The first party directly involved in the matter to comment on the matter was Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in an online meeting with the press.
Wolff then released some statements in the morning, clarifying everything and reassuring the fans of the silver arrows. The shareholder of the Brackley team justified Lewis’ choice to move on after twelve years of living together:
“Lewis told me that he was looking for a new challenge, a new environment. We’re adults. We knew that signing a short-term contract would be beneficial for both parties.
“We couldn’t commit for a longer period, and he chose to walk out. So we totally respect the fact that you can change your mind.”
Toto Wolff: “Lewis’ choice doesn’t surprise me. The timing does”
The Team Principal of the Anglo-German team said he was amazed at the timing of this unexpected but not entirely unpredictable decision by the Englishman. Despite this, he believes that he was very respectful, leaving an entire year available for the team to search for his replacement:
“The timing is what struck me. What happened was that we met for coffee at my house in Oxford. And he was returning to the factory after the winter break.
“There, he told me that he had decided to race for Ferrari in 2025. Our conversation lasted a good hour.
“But I guess what he tried to do is maybe give us a lot of time to decide what we want to do for next year.“
There is, therefore, no type of rancour on the Austrian’s part towards his friend Frederic Vasseur :
“He must do the best for Ferrari, and that is what he is doing.”
The team principal, when asked about a possible replacement, responded by diverting attention to this year, during which Hamilton will race his last year in Mercedes:
“Our main objective is now the 2024 season. We have two excellent drivers. And we have Lewis in his final year at Mercedes and George keen to get back in the car and race.
“We have to bring the car to the track with a greater pace than last year. We know how difficult it will be.
“One thing that hasn’t been talked about enough is George Russell, he’s part of the new generation with Norris and others. I couldn’t ask for a better team leader when Lewis leaves.
“Such a fast and talented guy in the car. We just have to make the right choice for second place, but that’s not something I want to rush.
“But I always like change because change equals opportunity. In the same way, we embraced the situation in Nico Rosberg’s time, I look forward to tackling this challenge with my colleagues.
“Maybe it’s an opportunity to do something bold.”
Mercedes will ensure the necessary support for Hamilton to close their story as best as possible
Toto also spoke about the possible friction that could arise between Russell and Hamilton this season. But above all, he wanted to focus on the confidentiality of information on the development of the W16:
“I have always tried to be transparent and fair, and nothing will change in 2024 in this sense.
“We owe it to our team. And I will make sure the pilots respect it. In terms of development, it’s something we need to look at.
“We will evaluate later in the season. But it doesn’t bother me at all. We have engineers who go to other teams.
“I have no doubt about Lewis’ integrity in terms of sharing information. We want to ensure that this is a successful season for the drivers and for Mercedes, and we will all give our all to achieve this.”
Furthermore, track engineer Peter Bonnington could follow Lewis to Ferrari. Here are the Austrians’ words on the matter:
“I think this is a discussion that everyone should have in the months to come. And as much as I’ve already spoken to Bono, it’s something we’ll discuss in the future.”
A possible early landing of the Bolognese talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli in Mercedes itself in 2025 should not be underestimated, as he is about to start his first season in F2 with Prema alongside Ollie Bearman.
Toto Wolff, however, practically denied these reflections/indiscretions: “He has been with Mercedes since he was 11 years old. His junior career was very successful. I think the most important thing is that he focuses on F2.
“If we start throwing his name around in the media, that won’t help him. He’s not even 18 years old. I would prefer not to speculate about him entering F1 at this stage .”
The conference closed with a question to Toto Wolff on the possibility of Lewis Hamilton obtaining his eighth world championship away from Mercedes.
Would you like to see him win that eighth title with both you and Ferrari?
“As a friend, I would love for him to have that eighth title. Hopefully we can get it in 2024. Looking ahead, obviously, I would prefer us to win.”
