Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has opened up about his interaction with Lewis Hamilton upon discovering the latter’s unexpected decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in the upcoming 2024 season.
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, Wolff shared the moment Hamilton broke the news, prompting him to question the timing of the announcement, especially considering Hamilton’s significant success with Mercedes.
Since joining the team in 2014, Hamilton has clinched six world championships, a feat unmatched by any other driver with a single team.
Mercedes, however, has faced challenges maintaining its dominance following the 2022 regulatory changes, falling behind in the constructors’ standings and struggling to compete effectively against teams like Red Bull and Ferrari.
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The departure of Hamilton comes at a turbulent time for Mercedes, following a disappointing start to the 2024 season marked by a double DNF at the Australian Grand Prix.
Wolff was not entirely surprised by Hamilton’s decision to leave, given the nature of his contract, which included an optional second year.
However, the timing of the announcement caught him off guard.
Hamilton expressed his desire to avoid the “emotional burden” of concealing his move throughout the season, leading to a frank conversation over coffee where he confirmed his decision to join Ferrari.
Wolff’s initial shock soon gave way to practical considerations about the team’s future and potential replacements for Hamilton.
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The team now faces the task of reconfiguring its lineup, with George Russell, who has shown promise with a win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, potentially stepping up as the team’s lead.
Speculation also surrounds possible new additions, including Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli and other high-profile drivers like Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz, with the latter set to vacate his seat at Ferrari.
The future composition of the team remains a keenly watched topic, with several drivers’ contracts expiring in 2025 and the paddock awaiting Wolff’s decisions.