Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton’s ‘magic’ is intact despite recent challenges with Ferrari.
- Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari hasn’t been smooth sailing.
- The British driver has endured a tough season, trailing behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
- Hamilton claimed a Sprint victory in China but struggles in Grand Prix finishes.
- Wolff maintains confidence in Hamilton’s abilities and views setbacks as part of the adjustment.
Toto Wolff, the former Mercedes team principal, has openly expressed his belief that Lewis Hamilton hasn’t lost his touch despite recent difficulties at Ferrari. Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari has been under scrutiny, but Wolff remains confident in Hamilton’s enduring talent.
After 12 successful seasons with Mercedes, where he clinched six Drivers’ titles, Hamilton’s shift to Ferrari brought high expectations. However, the shift hasn’t been seamless, with Hamilton yet to secure a finish higher than fifth place in a Grand Prix. This performance has placed him behind his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in their qualifying battles, leading 5-2.
Hamilton experienced a rare highlight when he took the pole and won Ferrari’s first Sprint race in China. However, consistent top finishes have eluded him, and his struggles became evident during the Miami Sprint qualifying, where he admitted to lacking the necessary speed to compete at the front. He remarked to reporters, ‘I think all the cars ahead are faster. So, yeah, I don’t really know what else to say.’
Wolff was asked at the Miami press conference whether Hamilton still possessed his ‘magic.’ Wolff was adamant that Hamilton’s performance in Shanghai’s Sprint Race was proof of his unaltered capability, saying, ‘He was completely dominating that race.’ He further expressed his belief that if Hamilton aligns all aspects of his performance and finds comfort with the car, he could perform exceptionally well again.
While acknowledging that the transition from a long-standing team like Mercedes to Ferrari comes with inevitable bumps, Wolff believes it is part of the trajectory for any driver joining a top team. On the other hand, Hamilton’s successor at Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli, is thriving. The young Italian has already made his mark by scoring points in four of five Grands Prix and claiming pole position in Miami, showcasing a different dynamic within Mercedes with George Russell.
Wolff also reflected on his enduring friendship with Hamilton, explaining that the change was perhaps a necessary evolution for both parties. ‘It’s like spending 12 years in a row on holiday with your best friend. At a certain stage, you say, well, maybe do something else this time around,’ he noted. Wolff emphasized that the team dynamics at Mercedes have shifted but not necessarily improved or worsened, stating that Hamilton was part of the family and his absence has created a new atmosphere.
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is a step filled with challenges, yet Wolff’s faith in his friend remains steadfast.
