Toto Wolff’s bitter admission about Lewis Hamilton: “I nonetheless need to get used to it”

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton shared one of many longest partnerships in Method 1 historical past. Collectively, they secured eight Constructors’ Championships and 6 Drivers’ Championships, establishing Mercedes as one of many prime groups of the previous decade.

Nevertheless, this “marriage” all of a sudden got here to an finish when, on February 1, 2024, Hamilton introduced his transfer to Ferrari. Wolff then spent a whole yr looking for an appropriate alternative for the 2025 season—somebody able to inheriting Lewis Hamilton’s legacy and shaping the way forward for the staff.

The ultimate alternative landed on one among Mercedes’ younger academy abilities, Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The rookie joined George Russell on this yr’s Silver Arrows lineup. The duo delivered robust leads to the season opener in Australia, with George Russell securing a podium end and Antonelli coming in fourth. Their mixed 27 factors propelled Mercedes to second place within the Constructors’ standings.

Kimi Antonelli is extensively thought to be a pure expertise in whom Toto Wolff has positioned nice religion. But, over the previous weekend, the Austrian’s consideration was centered elsewhere—on Lewis Hamilton.

In an interview with Sky Sports activities F1, Toto Wolff overtly admitted that he nonetheless feels disoriented seeing his former driver in crimson: “It’s nonetheless a bit complicated. I take a look at the timing screens and nonetheless assume Lewis Hamilton is a Mercedes driver. I nonetheless need to get used to it.”

Toto Wolff even likened Lewis Hamilton’s departure to the top of a romantic relationship. A number of months in the past, he had remarked, “It’s a bit like if you undergo an amicable divorce, and all the things is ok, and then you definately see your ex-partner with another person for the primary time!” Nevertheless, the Mercedes boss additionally added that seeing Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari crimson was “thrilling,” suggesting that he’s steadily coming to phrases with the separation.

Mar 17, 2025David Carter

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