February 2, 2024, 2:28 p.m. GMT
Updated 9 minutes ago
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Lewis Hamilton won his seventh world title in 2020, equaling Michael Schumacher's record
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted Lewis Hamilton's decision to move to Ferrari in 2025 was a “surprise” but said it could provide an opportunity to “do something bold”.
Hamilton, 39, only signed a new two-year contract with Mercedes last August.
He informed Wolff of his decision to leave after eleven years at a planned breakfast at the Austrian's house on Wednesday.
Wolff said he bore no grudge against the seven-time world champion and had not tried to change his mind.
“He felt like he needed a change and I can understand that,” Wolff said Friday.
“We had tremendous success. When we decided to sign a short-term contract, we felt there could be opportunities for him and for us.”
“Perhaps one consideration was the possibility of signing a longer-term contract with Ferrari at the end of his career and making a really big attempt.”
“We have had a sensational journey together that will go down in the history books. We want to finish on a high note in his regard.” [Mercedes] Career, but we will build another phase of success – and we will look back on this very good time with Lewis.”
“Our professional journey is ending – but I have found a friend”
Wolff has overseen six of Hamilton's world championships since their relationship began at Mercedes in 2013, paving the way for a period of unprecedented team success that brought eight consecutive constructors' titles from 2014 to 2021.
The 52-year-old described the partnership between Mercedes and Hamilton as “the most successful the sport has ever seen” as the team confirmed the driver's departure on Thursday.
Although Wolff said he had heard rumors about Hamilton's future earlier in the week, he wanted to wait until he had the opportunity to hear from him in person.
“We met for coffee at my house in Oxford. He told me he had decided to drive for Ferrari in 2025 and that was basically it. We talked for a good hour,” said Wolff.
“Formula 1 has made me more resilient to surprises. [But] It was a surprise. When he once said, “This is what I’m trying to do,” it was a fact. I didn't try to convince him otherwise.
“It means our professional journey is coming to an end, but it doesn’t mean our personal relationship is ending. I found a friend. We have built a relationship over the last 10 years.”
“He was faced with a very difficult situation. Maybe for the first time in 10 years without being able to brainstorm with me,” joked Wolff.
“I will always respect the difficult situation he found himself in. In the future we can discuss whether this could have been done differently or not, but I will hold no grudges.”
“Hamilton has decided to roll the dice”
The dominant partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes has faltered in recent years in the face of competition from Max Verstappen and Red Bull.
The Briton has not won a race since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which preceded this season's controversial title decider in Abu Dhabi, as the race director failed to follow the rules correctly and Hamilton missed out on his record eighth world title.
Hamilton finished sixth in 2022 and third last season – 341 points behind champion Verstappen, who is aiming to win a fourth consecutive drivers' title this year.
“He needed a new challenge – he was looking for a different environment and it was perhaps a last chance to do something different,” Wolff said.
“We knew that signing a short-term contract could be beneficial for both sides. He uses the option to exit. We absolutely respect that you can change your mind.”
“Switch to Ferrari, maybe put it to the test a bit, I can follow that decision.”
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Could Hamilton win his eighth world title with Ferrari?
It was only in August, after signing his new contract, that Hamilton said that he and Mercedes still had “unfinished business” in Formula 1.
But it was precisely in the pursuit of an eighth title that he felt should already be in his possession that Hamilton made his surprising decision. After having time to think, Wolff said this was “totally understandable.”
“When we signed the contract with Lewis we opted for a short-term deal, so the events are not a surprise, but the timing is.” [is]” said Wolff.
“The friend side of me says he should have an eighth because that was taken away from him. If he wins that in 2024, that would be a great thing. But for the future I would prefer us to win.”
“A chance for Mercedes to be brave”
Wolff described his initial reaction to Hamilton's news as “pragmatic” and his attention quickly turned to what decisions needed to be made in the best interests of the team.
Achieving a successful 2024 season before Hamilton's departure is now Wolff's concern as Mercedes begins its search for George Russell's next teammate.
Wolff says it's a significant opportunity to “do something bold” – and hopes Mercedes can use it to usher in a new period of success.
“In Formula 1, the most important thing is agility, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances,” said Wolff.
“George has the potential to become the next main driver in the team. We have such a solid foundation that we just need to make the right choice for second place and that’s not something I want to rush.”
“Knowing that we have a driver of this level makes the decision for the second driver much easier. I haven’t thought with the team about where we’re going to go, from the newcomer to the very experienced driver.”
By informing the team of his decision before the start of the 2024 season, Hamilton gave Mercedes valuable additional time in finding a replacement.
Wolff said the news came too late to explore a few “interesting” options, including Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and McLaren driver Lando Norris, who recently agreed new deals, but added that he expected exciting opportunities .
“If you had told me a few days ago that Lewis would move to Ferrari, I wouldn't have thought it possible. Situations can change quickly. “Who knows what will happen in the driver market, what could be unexpected,” said Wolff.
“It is an exciting situation at the end of 2024 as drivers become available. In 2025 and beyond, the driver market is very interesting.”
“I always like change because change gives you opportunities. Maybe it’s a chance to do something brave.”
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