Toto Wolff on Mercedes’ Struggles: “Hamilton’s Legacy Remains Untouched”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed concerns that Lewis Hamilton’s recent seasons with underperforming cars could overshadow his historic achievements with the team. Despite a challenging three-year stretch, Wolff emphasized that Hamilton’s legacy as one of Formula 1’s all-time greats remains intact.

A Legacy of Dominance

Hamilton, who secured six of his seven F1 championships during his time with Mercedes, is set to end his iconic stint with the team at the conclusion of the season. The British driver will move to Ferrari in 2025, seeking to reignite his title ambitions.

Reflecting on Mercedes’ dominance, Wolff noted, “This is the most competitive motorsport in the world. We were incredibly fortunate to win eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships—a feat unprecedented in any sport. Lewis won seven Drivers’ Championships in that period, and nothing can diminish those achievements.”

Adapting to New Challenges

Wolff attributed Mercedes’ recent struggles to regulatory changes, particularly in 2022, which disrupted their performance edge.

“We were caught off guard by the new regulations and have yet to deliver a consistently high-performing car,” Wolff admitted. “From managing tire degradation to ensuring aerodynamic balance, the challenges have been immense. But that’s the nature of the sport—no team dominates forever.”

A Bright Spot in 2024

Hamilton returned to winning form this year, claiming his first victory since 2021 at the British Grand Prix. However, Mercedes found themselves trailing Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari in the championship hierarchy.

With just three races left in his Mercedes career, Hamilton will soon don Ferrari’s iconic red, signaling the end of an era.

No Farewell Just Yet

Wolff downplayed emotional goodbyes, stating, “We’re still focused on the season. When Abu Dhabi approaches, the final race together will undoubtedly hold great meaning. But Lewis isn’t disappearing—he’ll still be on the grid, just in a different car.”

A New Chapter for Mercedes

Looking ahead, Mercedes is preparing for a new era with George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli as their drivers.

“It’s the start of something fresh,” Wolff said. “We’ll miss Lewis as a driver, but not as a person. We wish him success—though hopefully, not too much with Ferrari!”

As Hamilton transitions to Ferrari, Mercedes remains committed to rebuilding its championship aspirations in the seasons to come.