Sir Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff joined Mercedes in 2013. Back then, the Silver Arrows were not a powerhouse like they are today. But the duo of this team principal and racer changed the status of the team upside down. Since the cost cap era began, the German team had been unbeatable. Their glory days lasted till 2021. From 2014 to 2021, Toto Wolff’s team won every constructor title. They won every Driver’s World Championships, too, except the last one in 2021. The turbo-hybrid era ended in 2021, with Max Verstappen getting the trophy. However, the period from 2014 to 2021 is also known as the “Mercedes Era.” That’s how successful and revolutionary both Hamilton and Wolff have been together for the Brackley team.
But this iconic team principal and racer duo would wish to end their partnership with a title win. Especially, the Mercedes boss wanted to help Lewis Hamilton win his eighth Driver’s World Championship. However, since the cost cap era started, the German team seems to lose their grip on the title. On the other hand, Red Bull has been winning almost every race since 2022. But Mercedes won just one race in the last two years. That’s why, to change his luck, Hamilton announced that he would drive for the Scuderia Ferrari team from 2025. This decision surely shocked Toto Wolff even though he knew it was coming.
How Would Toto Wolff Like Hamilton To End His Mercedes Chapter?
Lately, Ted Kravitz of Sky F1 asked Toto Wolff about Hamilton’s Ferrari move. In reply, the Mercedes boss mentioned that Lewis Hamilton may have thought things over the winter. Then, he finally decided to join the Italian team. Wolff says there are benefits to keeping things to yourself and then coming to the final decision at a later stage. But Toto Wolff does not seem to have any hard feelings as he believes if Lewis Hamilton has set his mind and is ready to sail, “That’s OK.”
Kravitz also asked Wolff if the W15 car was a potential title winner. In reply, the Mercedes boss mentioned, “Can’t say.” Moreover, the Austrian billionaire executive also said that the Silver Arrows have a big mountain to climb. He mentioned, “Red Bull has a car out of the blocks with these new regulations.” Hence, that makes it more difficult for Mercedes to catch up to their rivals.
Mercedes May Have A Surprise Package With New Front Wing
However, the Mercedes team principal told Ted Kravitz that the team can’t really see a picture of performance as of yet. But the revamped W15 challenger, along with a very unusual design of the front wings, has caught media attention and that of the rivals.
However, neither Lewis Hamilton nor George Russell have been able to demonstrate any clue about the true pace of the W15 car. As the pre-season testing in Bahrain started, the young Mercedes driver finished 12th on Day 1. Russell was really well off the pace of Max Verstappen. On the other hand, the Red Bull star finished at the top, leaving everyone far behind once again.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite F1 team.