Toto Wolff shares update on Lewis Hamilton relationship after Ferrari move

Toto Wolff: "Still Great Friends" with Lewis Hamilton Post-Ferrari Move

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has stated that his friendship with Lewis Hamilton remains strong despite Hamilton's high-profile move to Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, joined Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc, embarking on a new chapter. However, his performance in the opening races of the season has been challenging.

Wolff, who led Mercedes throughout Hamilton's entire tenure with the team—a period marked by 84 race wins and six Formula 1 titles—confirmed the enduring nature of their personal relationship.

"We're still great friends with Lewis," Wolff told the media. "I spent a lot of time with him, travelling, and I’m still seeing him. It came to a point last year where, you know, it's like spending 12 years in a row on holiday with your best friend. At a certain stage you say, well, maybe do something else this time around. And for Lewis, he needed a refresher, a reinvention. Ferrari is iconic, no doubt about that. Certainly he also got terms that were interesting for him."

Hamilton's seat at Mercedes has been filled by rookie Kimi Antonelli, signaling a new era for the Silver Arrows.

Wolff explained that Antonelli's promotion was a natural progression.

"With us, Kimi was in the starting blocks – eventually it was this year or it would have been next year to bring him in," Wolff stated. "Bringing him in this year means we have a learning year before new regulations kick in. He's going to know all the tracks and that felt like the right decision."