SUMMARY
- Mercedes announces Lewis Hamilton's departure from the team after a decade-long partnership.
- Toto Wolff shares his thoughts on losing a 7-time world champion to a rival team.
It’s finally official everyone. Lewis Hamilton will be wearing the red outfit from the 2025 season. While this has the Tifosi excited, Mercedes fans are not very happy. There is no doubt that Toto Wolff will not be very thrilled with this news either.
Before extending his contract with Mercedes in 2023, Hamilton said he would never leave the team. He has spent over 10 successful years with them and looks to continue on for more. However, Ferrari seems to have lured him away as they hope to get out of their current slump. Toto Wolff has now given his reaction to this news.
Toto Wolff reacts to Lewis Hamilton’s shocker move to Ferrari
There is no doubt that the news of Hamilton to Ferrari took the F1 world by shock. Even Wolff extended his contract with the team for another 3 years to try and help Hamilton win a Championship. However, the plans seem to have changed now.
“In terms of a team-driver pairing, our relationship with Lewis has become the most successful the sport has ever seen, and that’s something we can look back on with pride. Lewis will always be an important part of Mercedes motorsport history. However, we knew our partnership would come to a natural end at some point, and that day has now come,” Wolff said.
It’s official – Hamilton to leave Mercedes. Ferrari announcement will follow pic.twitter.com/OAmE3zmh5V
— Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) February 1, 2024
There is no doubt that Mercedes’ chances to win a Championship have become slimmer without Hamilton. Even if the 7-time Champion had just retired, it would have been suitable. But his joining Mercedes’ rivals has made it difficult for the Silver Arrows to become Champions again.
Mercedes will not have to look at replacements for a driver who cannot be replaced. However, given that most of the drivers will be out of a contract after 2024, Mercedes can have their pick at the litter.
Who will Toto Wolff choose to replace Lewis Hamilton?
After the 2024 season, most of the drivers will be out of contract. The only drivers who are confirmed for the 2025 season are George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri. Apart from these drivers, every other driver would be open to driving for Mercedes.
Given that Mercedes is trying to find their way back to the sport, they will be looking for someone experienced. Carlos Sainz could fill this role perfectly given that he has been in the sport for a long time now. However, the Spaniard is reportedly going to Audi. His father currently drives for Audi Motorsport in the Dakar Rally.
There is also Pierre Gasly who has been linked to a Mercedes seat in the past. So there is a chance that the Frenchman would be shortlisted to drive for the team. Gasly does have the experience and skill set to do something special for the team. He could emerge as a Championship contender if the team builds a strong car.
Alex Albon has also been a strong driver for Williams. Given that Mercedes already has a relationship with Williams, there is a good chance that Alex Albon will go to Mercedes for the 2025 season. Even Esteban Ocon will have a good shot as he was a part of the Mercedes Driver Academy previously.
It’s safe to say that we are in for one hell of a silly season in the coming months. Who do you think will drive for Mercedes in 2025? Post your answers in the comments section below.