Wolff On Hamilton: “It’s Like Seeing Your Ex With a New Partner”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has shared his reaction to seeing Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari colors for the first time, revealing that he sent a message to his former driver praising the “iconic” photographs.

Hamilton, who joined Ferrari after a successful 13-year stint at Mercedes, recently began his pre-season preparations with the Italian team, which included factory visits, simulator work, and on-track testing in older cars. The seven-time World Champion shared an image on social media, posing in an all-black suit alongside a Ferrari F40 outside the team’s facilities.

Wolff, speaking at the Autosport Awards in London, compared the experience to seeing an ex-partner with a new friend after an amicable divorce. “It’s a little bit like you divorce amicably and it’s all good, then you see your [ex-]partner for the first time with a new friend!” Wolff said with a smile. “But I’m really happy for him, and I told him that those pictures were iconic that he made. It was so well curated, and no surprise with Lewis!”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks his first team change since joining Mercedes from McLaren in 2013. During his time with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton won six driver’s titles and contributed to eight constructors’ championships.

Meanwhile, Mercedes has signed Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement. Antonelli acknowledged the excitement surrounding an Italian driver joining Mercedes and an English driver moving to Ferrari.

“It’s a bit weird, because it’s a bit controversial that an Italian driver is going to Mercedes, and an English driver is going to Ferrari!”

“I’m super happy with the position I’m [in]. There’s a lot of hype around, because [there’s] another new Italian on the grid. Then, of course, such a figure like Lewis joining Ferrari is an incredible thing.

“I think during the Italian Grand Prix there’s going to be a lot of excitement around!” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Wolff remained tight-lipped about Mercedes’ chances, admitting that the team had faced challenges in the previous year. “We’ve been scratching our head a lot last year, particularly at the beginning. Like all the other teams, we had ups and downs. [We had] very dominant performances in Vegas, then other races that were not so good. But, at the end of the day, when the flag drops, we’re going to see in qualifying [at the first Grand Prix] in Melbourne where we stand.”

As Hamilton embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari and Mercedes welcomes a young talent in Antonelli, the 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be an exciting one, with fans eagerly awaiting the first showdown in Melbourne…