Toto Wolff confirmed that Lewis Hamilton, who helped Mercedes dominate Formula 1, will be driving for Ferrari from 2025, expressing no resentment towards Hamilton’s decision for a new challenge and respecting his choice, despite the timing being somewhat surprising.
Highlights
‣ Lewis Hamilton confirmed to Toto Wolff that he will be leaving Mercedes to drive for Ferrari starting from 2025, marking a significant shift in his career and the Formula 1 landscape.
‣ Toto Wolff, despite the surprise of Hamilton’s decision given his recent contract extension with Mercedes, holds no grudge against him, understanding his desire for a new challenge and respecting his decision to join Ferrari.
‣ Wolff acknowledges the mutual benefits of the short-term contract signed last summer, recognizing it allowed for flexibility on both sides, and expresses no resentment towards Hamilton’s decision to leave for Ferrari.
‣ The move by Hamilton to Ferrari is seen by Wolff as a potentially last major change in his career, with Wolff expressing understanding and respect for Hamilton’s decision to seek a new environment and challenge.
The whispers started early in the week. Toto Wolff, caught in the whirlwind of rumors, finally got the confirmation he dreaded. It was Wednesday. Over a one-on-one with Lewis Hamilton, the bomb dropped: Mercedes’ star, the force behind their Formula 1 dominance, was Ferrari-bound come 2025.
By Friday, the news was out in the open. Wolff, facing the media, recounted the moment of revelation. “That was Wednesday morning,” he began, a hint of nostalgia in his tone. “He laid it out then and there. Once he said, ‘This is my path,’ I knew it was set in stone. Didn’t even try to sway him.”
### Wolff holds no grudge against Hamilton
It’s a bit of a shocker, really. Just last summer, Hamilton had inked a deal to stay on. Yet here we were, talking exits. Wolff, ever the pragmatist, understood the rationale. “A new challenge,” Hamilton had said, seeking a fresh start, perhaps his final act. “We’re adults,” Wolff mused. “The short contract was a mutual gamble. Now, he’s chosen to walk. No hard feelings.”
And truly, Wolff harbors no bitterness. “Changing your mind, seeking new horizons, I get it,” he admitted. “Ferrari, for his last hurrah? Why not roll the dice.” For Wolff, the move wasn’t out of left field. “Not shocked by the move – just the timing caught me off guard,” he confessed.
