Wolff Confident In Hamilton’s ‘Magic’ Despite Early Struggles At Ferrari

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed his unwavering belief in Lewis Hamilton’s abilities, insisting that the seven-time World Champion’s “magic” is still present despite facing some challenges in his first few races with Ferrari. Wolff is confident that once Hamilton fully aligns with the car, he will deliver “stellar” performances.

Hamilton made a high-profile move to Ferrari on a multi-year deal at the end of the 2024 season, ending his successful 12-year stint with Mercedes. While he has experienced some highlights, such as a dominant victory from pole in the Sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix, the Briton has also been candid about the issues he has encountered as he adapts to the SF-25.

When asked if he was surprised by Hamilton’s challenging start at Ferrari, Wolff stated, “I think we saw that magic in the Sprint race [in Shanghai]. He was completely dominating that race. It’s not like you have the magic in one race and then suddenly you lose the magic in the next one.”

He added, “I very much believe that it’s still there. If he aligns all his performance contributors and feels he is in the right space and the car is to his liking, he will be stellar. I have no doubt. But I’m also not surprised it has those road bumps.”

Wolff attributed the adjustment period to Hamilton’s long tenure at Mercedes, saying, “He was with us 12 years – the way of operating. He’s been put in a Ferrari, where his team mate [Charles Leclerc] has been [for] a long time, and his team mate clearly is one of the very good ones. So from the outside, and speaking to him, it’s a trajectory any new driver needs to go through in a top team.”

Since Hamilton’s departure, George Russell has been joined by rookie Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, with the pair enjoying a solid start to the season, placing the team second in the Constructors’ Championship. Wolff praised the new dynamic, highlighting Russell’s growth as a senior driver and Antonelli’s steady progress.