Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff has taken the time to reflect on the monumental shift happening at Mercedes, as longtime driver Lewis Hamilton prepares to leave the team after 12 illustrious seasons. Hamilton, who has amassed record-setting achievements during his tenure, will officially join Ferrari for the 2025 season, marking the end of a celebrated chapter for both him and the Mercedes brand.
Wolff did not hide his sentiments about Hamilton’s departure. He praised Hamilton's contributions to the team, acknowledging the challenges they faced and the remarkable successes they achieved together. "It’s the most competitive motorsport in the world and we were lucky and blessed with winning eight consecutive world championship titles," Wolff told the BBC, emphasizing the significance of their partnership.
Reflecting on Hamilton's unlikely migration to Mercedes from McLaren back in 2013, Wolff credited the late Niki Lauda, the three-time Formula 1 World Champion and Mercedes’ former non-executive chairman, as the key figure behind Hamilton’s decision. "Without Niki [Lauda], Lewis [Hamilton] would never have come to Mercedes. I don’t think Niki has ever been appreciated enough for what he did," he remarked. Lauda’s persuasive conversations with Hamilton played a pivotal role, sealing the deal during the evening of the 2013 Singapore Grand Prix.
From the outset of their collaboration, Hamilton transformed from merely being an hired driver to becoming integral as family within the Mercedes structure. "Lewis changed from a hired driver to truly becoming part of the team, as everyone embraced the team ethos we had at the time," Wolff noted.
Despite recent struggles, particularly against the backdrop of the 2022 regulations overhaul which allowed Red Bull to dominate the field, Wolff highlighted Hamilton's incredible ability to help steer the team through this challenging period. "We’ve managed to break winless streaks and achieve notable victories like Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps even when the odds were against us," he added, against expectations stemming from their past successes. Wolff underscored the perspective of resilience, drawing parallels to legendary sports figures such as basketball icon Michael Jordan: "Michael Jordan played 12 seasons or whatever; he won six championships—were the other six a failure?" Wolff proposed, reinforcing the notion of recognizing achievements beyond just championships.
Hamilton has been instrumental not just as the star driver but also as the face of Mercedes, setting new benchmarks within the sport including the most wins and podium finishes. His 2024 season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will serve as both his swan song with Mercedes and as the start of his new chapter with Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc, as Carlos Sainz Jr. departs for Williams.
Wolff addressed the emotional aspect of Hamilton's exit, acknowledging the deep-rooted bond formed over years of competing together. “The relationships will change, but not the depth of emotion. On the contrary, it will be a new friendship with Lewis,” he affirmed. He dismissed any sense of resentment, preferring to celebrate the historical partnership instead.
Looking forward, Wolff expressed optimism about the talented pool of drivers Mercedes is cultivating, introducing rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell, both of whom could lead the team effectively amid shifting dynamics and regulations. "On the professional side, I always see benefits in change. We have new regulations, we have reshaped our organisation, and we’re entering this new era intriguingly," he said, stating how the transition could be beneficial.
After all, Wolff fundamentally believes the essence of greatness extends beyond winning championships alone. His tribute to Hamilton speaks volumes: "The name Lewis Hamilton will stand for a long time as the greatest. I will be telling my grandchildren to be proud because I was part of Lewis Hamilton's legacy. And that's something we all can be very proud of."
The era of Hamilton and Mercedes culminates with his departure, yet the remarkable legacy left behind is one of success, perseverance, and exceptional achievements—a partnership unlike any other seen in Formula One history. Mercedes and Wolff intend to carry these lessons forward as they navigate the new chapter, embodying the spirit of innovation and ambition for future victories.