Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, in a recent statement, suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes aligns with the natural course of a career that inevitably has its limits. At 39, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton is among the oldest drivers on the grid.
And Toto Wolff hinted that replacing him would have been a consideration for Mercedes in the near future. That being said, with Lewis Hamilton switching to Scuderia Ferrari next season, he fired back at his soon to be ex team principal for his criticism over the British driver’s age and performance.
Lewis Hamilton Reaffirms Hunger To Drive In F1
As Lewis Hamilton gears up for the final chapter of his career with Mercedes, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion addressed comments made by team principal Toto Wolff regarding his “shelf life” in the sport. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 has been one of the most talked-about transitions in F1 history, and Wolff’s remarks about the British driver’s age and future added fuel to the conversation. Hamilton, known for his unshakable confidence and determination, indirectly responded to these claims during the Las Vegas GP. Without directly addressing Wolff’s comments, Hamilton emphasized his resilience and hunger to compete at the highest level. “I think just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong. I’ve been training well,” he said.
“Honestly, I feel like I’m in the best place I’ve been mentally. Considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough. I’m still here, I’m still fighting, and I’m going to continue to push,” Hamilton further added. Despite facing criticism and doubts over the years, the British driver has consistently silenced skeptics with his performances on the track. His focus now is to leave Mercedes on a high note, making the most of his final three races with the team before donning Ferrari red in 2025. In the same interview, Lewis Hamilton also defended Wolff, emphasizing the long-standing support he has received from his team principal since joining Mercedes in 2013. “So many microaggressions, not from my boss because he’s been supportive, but in general within the media. Nothing can take me down,” Hamilton asserted. That being said, as Lewis Hamilton prepares for a new challenge with Ferrari, his legacy at Mercedes remains untouchable.
Toto Wolff Admits Blocking Hamilton’s Ferrari Test
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will not participate in the Abu Dhabi post-season test with Ferrari ahead of his highly anticipated move to the Scuderia in 2025. Wolff provided insight, noting that Hamilton’s packed post-season schedule with Mercedes left no room for an early Ferrari outing.
“We have contractual agreements with sponsors. We’re having a farewell for Lewis, and lots of activities are planned,” Wolff explained. He added that both he and Lewis Hamilton discussed the possibility but mutually agreed that it was unfeasible. Meanwhile, Hamilton himself has shown no frustration over the decision, focusing instead on closing out his time with Mercedes on a strong note.
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