Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton started their memorable collaboration back in 2013. The seven-time champion gave credit to the F1 great Niki Lauda, who persuaded him to join the Silver Arrows. Previously, the then McLaren driver had doubts over the decision to move to the German outfit. After all, the Brackley team did not look like a championship-worthy team. And the British driver had been waiting for his moment to win his second F1 title after his 2008 triumph. Finally, he signed with the German team in 2013, and so did Toto Wolff in the same year. It was a turning point for the Brackley team as the new era that would start in 2014 would belong to them completely.
From 2014 to 2021, Mercedes did not lose one single constructor title. On top of that, Lewis Hamilton was their key factor as he won six Driver’s World Championships between 2014 and 2020. But things started to fall apart in 2022. That was when Red Bull dethroned Toto Wolff’s team from the top spot in the grid. Hamilton had been winless in both 2022 and 2023. Finally, in early 2024, the seven-time champion announced his departure from the Silver Arrows. He will join Ferrari next season.
Toto Wolff Supports Hamilton’s Decision To Move To Ferrari From Mercedes
Recently, in an interview with BBC Sport, Toto Wolff said that he has no regret about Lewis Hamilton moving to the Prancing Horse. He conceded that it was “For the good” as the British driver had been looking to reinvent himself at 40. Previously, the seven-time champion racer had said that he believes he has done everything he could do with the German outfit. But racing for the Italian team was a childhood dream of the British racer. That’s what he looks to accomplish at 40. If he stays fit and motivated, he can go on to race for three or four years more. Will he be able to win any more titles in the following years? Only time can tell. But Toto Wolff said that being a Ferrari driver is “Super-prestigious.”
Moreover, the Mercedes boss added that, as a team, they decided it was a good move. They were very transparent with Hamilton and Wolff believes the best thing about Lewis is that he can put himself in their position and understand where they were coming from. Hence, the billionaire executive said that the team has no hard feelings with the British driver, as he said, “There is no betrayal.” Adding to that, Toto Wolff noted, “It was good for Lewis to change.” Mercedes and Hamilton had the longest driver-team run in F1 history. Hence, it was high time to change and reinvent, feels Wolff.
Kimi Antonelli To Replace Lewis Hamilton In 2025
After a long wait, Mercedes announced the replacement for the seven-time champion. There were rumors that suggested Wolff wants Max Verstappen to sign with the Silver Arrows as Hamilton’s replacement. But it seems too good to be true for the German outfit at present. Hence, Mercedes is showing faith in their Academy graduate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is just 18 years old.
Toto Wolff recently announced the 2025 driver’s lineup – George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes boss believes Kimi will get all the support from the team, but it’s him who will have to drive the car out there. Wolff said it won’t be easy to beat his teammate for Kimi at 18. After all, Russell is a “Formidable driver, one of the best in the grid.”
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