Feb 2, 2024 at 2:06 PM Update: an hour ago
Toto Wolff knew that with the short new contract for Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes risked losing the seven-time world champion. The switch to Ferrari in 2025 did not surprise the Mercedes team boss, at most the timing.
“When we signed the contract with Lewis, it was for a short term,” Wolff pointed out on Friday to the two-year contract that Hamilton signed last summer. The second year was optional from both sides. “So I’m not entirely surprised that he’s leaving, but the timing might be.”
Hamilton told Wolff the news last Wednesday. “We had coffee at my house in Oxford and then he said he had decided to drive for Ferrari in 2025. That was it. We had a good conversation for at least an hour,” said the Austrian.
“I had already heard some rumors, but I wanted to wait for our appointment. That was Wednesday morning. I didn’t try to change his mind. It was a surprise, but I have become used to surprises in this world. The same thing actually happened with Nico Rosberg after 2016. We also dealt with that well.”
‘I can follow the decision well’
Wolff understands the choice that Hamilton makes after eleven seasons and six world titles with Mercedes. “Lewis and I were still on the same page when we entered the Christmas period. You have to ask Lewis why he changed his mind. In any case, I could understand his explanation well. He needed a new challenge and was looking for a different environment. was perhaps the last chance for him to do something else.”
“We are big boys. When we signed this short contract, it could have worked out well for both parties. Now he chooses to leave. I respect that someone changes their mind. Such a move to Ferrari, taking a gamble: I can do that decision to follow,” the team boss explained.
The Austrian understands the appeal of Ferrari. “I have often talked about that with Lewis, how nice it would be to still drive there. But I now thought that it would also be nice to end his career at Mercedes. That would also have been a nice legacy. .”
Wolff does not blame Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur. The two have been good friends for years. “You have to see it like rugby. On the field you may hit each other, but off it you can have a good relationship. Fred also has to do the best for Ferrari, so also bring in the best drivers.”
‘Russell has the potential to be a team leader’
Mercedes still has a year to find a good replacement for Hamilton. According to Wolff, it should initially be more about George Russell. “He has the potential to be our new team leader. I couldn’t wish for a better option to take over from Lewis. So our foundation is good. We now just have to make the right choice for a second driver. Maybe it is the opportunity to do something surprising for once.”
At Mercedes, a lot is expected of seventeen-year-old Italian talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will make his debut in Formula 2 this year. “Kimi is a great talent, but we are not going to talk about him at all. He has to concentrate on Formula 2. I don’t want to have any stories about him. Then his head will start spinning,” Wolff responded to that suggestion.
Although Mercedes still has a year to find another candidate, some doors have recently closed. “We knew what we were doing with the short contract. A few drivers will become available at the end of 2024. Others (Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, ed.) have just signed. Those would also have been good options for us.”
“So in terms of timing we would have had more options a few weeks ago,” Wolff smiled. “But that’s the way it is. I really want to take the time to find a good combination with George.”
Wolff trusts Hamilton’s integrity
Hamilton will virtually drive the new car on Friday in the Mercedes simulator at the factory in Brackley, England, where preparations for the new season are in full swing. Yet Mercedes must find a way not to give the Brit too much information, who will later end up at Ferrari.
“In terms of transparency and an honest approach, nothing will change in 2024,” Wolff wanted to say. “We of course have to look at how we handle our development when it comes to technical information. But I’m not worried about that. We also have engineers who leave, and sometimes it only takes six months before they start somewhere else. “I trust Lewis’ integrity when it comes to sharing information. Ultimately, we want to have a good season in 2024.”
Bottom line, Wolff did not want to give the impression that Hamilton’s departure is a big loss for Mercedes. “He has of course played a big role in the history of this team, but I can already promise that we will build a new phase of success, with more victories and world championships in the coming years.”
Mercedes will present the 2024 car on February 14. The winter tests will take place in Bahrain from February 21 to 23, where the first Grand Prix of the season will be held on Saturday, March 2.
2024-02-02 13:06:37
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