Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has always had a way with words, and his reaction to Lewis Hamilton’s first public appearance in Ferrari red was no exception.
The seven-time world champion’s high-profile move to the Scuderia, announced almost a year ago, before the 2024 season had even begun, ended a 12-year partnership between the Briton and Mercedes that had defined an era of Formula 1 dominance.
But last week, as his former driver settled into his new surroundings, meeting his Ferrari crew and taking to the Fiorano track in the 2023 car, the reality of the switch truly set in for Wolff.
An Oddly Personal Analogy
As images of Hamilton, suited and booted in Maranello, flooded social media, the Mercedes boss found himself grappling with an oddly personal analogy.
“Yeah, it’s a little bit like you divorce amicably, and it’s all good, and then you see your partner for the first time with a new friend,” Wolff told Sky Sports.
Despite the initial jolt, the Austrian – who has since been in contact with Hamilton – was quick to acknowledge the sheer impact of the moment.
“I’m really happy for him, and I told him that those pictures were iconic, that he made, that was so well curated, and no surprise with Lewis.”
©Ferrari
Hamilton, for his part, described the move as a childhood “dream” finally realized—one that he would cherish alongside his myriad achievements at Mercedes.
‘Box Office for F1’
And he wasn’t the only one reveling in the historic pairing. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner also weighed in, calling Hamilton’s Ferrari adventure a blockbuster addition to the sport
“I’ve seen some pictures, I think it suits him!” he said.
“Look, I think it is great for Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari… that really is box office. So I think it’s just another dynamic for this year that could be super exciting.”
©Ferrari
While Wolff may have momentarily found himself on the fringes of an emotional territory, he wasted no time looking ahead.
To fill Hamilton’s seat, Mercedes has placed its faith in highly-rated novice Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will partner George Russell in 2025.
“I think we are super excited by the new situation,” Wolff added. “We’ve had [a] fantastic 12 years with Lewis; George has shown superb performances in the last few years.
“Now with Kimi coming up, a young lion with a lot of talent and now he needs to learn.”
©Mercedes
And so, while Hamilton embarks on his new adventure, Mercedes is preparing for a brand-new era of its own.
The divorce may have been amicable, but as with any high-profile split, the world will be watching to see who thrives in their next chapter.
One thing’s for sure: Toto Wolff is ready to turn the page.
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