Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has expressed his belief that it is premature to write off Lewis Hamilton, even during what has been a challenging start for the driver in his first season with Ferrari. As the 2025 season unfolds, Hamilton has faced difficulties, managing no podium finishes in the first ten races while his teammate, Charles Leclerc, enjoys a more successful run with three top-three finishes.
Wolff emphasized that adapting to a new team and car takes time, particularly for someone of Hamilton’s caliber. He stated, “You don’t unlearn driving that quickly,” highlighting that skills developed over years in racing do not vanish upon changing teams. He recalled Hamilton’s past resilience, noting a pattern where Hamilton tends to find his momentum in the latter half of the seasons.
The relationship between Wolff and Hamilton has been notably strong, formed during their successful partnership at Mercedes that yielded multiple championships. Wolff reflected on their friendship, acknowledging that even though they are now on competing teams, they maintain a personal connection.
In the context of the 2025 season for Mercedes, young driver Kimi Antonelli has stepped up following Hamilton’s departure, achieving notable milestones early in his career, such as securing a pole position and a podium finish. Wolff also discussed the developmental challenges young drivers face in Formula 1, particularly regarding tire management, comparing Antonelli’s journey to the development of Oscar Piastri, who took time to establish himself against a more experienced teammate.
As the teams prepare for the next race at the Austrian Grand Prix, Wolff’s comments reflect a belief in Hamilton’s potential for a comeback and underscore the importance of patience in the competitive world of Formula 1, especially for those adapting to new environments.