Wolff reveals tough conversation with Hamilton after 'useless' comment

Hamilton announced before the 2024 Formula 1 season began that he would join Ferrari in 2025. Although he signed what was reported as a multi-year contract extension with Mercedes in 2023, it was in fact a 1+1 deal, allowing either side to part ways after the first year. Hamilton chose to exercise that option.

The arrangement was not accidental. Mercedes had deliberately structured the contract to maintain flexibility, with rising talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli waiting in the wings and Hamilton nearing the latter stages of his career.

In conversation with GPblog Wolff said that in hindsight, it was good that Hamilton had made the choice himself, since that meant he no longer had to conduct the difficult conversation with his friend and seven-time world champion.

He said: ’'[It would've been] Very difficult. That would have been a scenario that, for me, from a personal perspective and as Mercedes, would have been something that we would have dreaded, to have this conversation.’’

Asked whether he feels sorry for Hamilton, Wolff was clear: “No one should ever feel pity for Lewis Hamilton, because he's a monster of a driver. Well, there were moments of not happiness with us, many times. I think all the reasons he had to go to Ferrari are still valid today. He needed a change of environment. And we needed a change of environment.”

Wolff acknowledged Ferrari’s appeal to Hamilton, adding: “We weren't as competitive as we would have wished. Ferrari looked better. Every racing driver wants to race in Ferrari. He likes the color red anyway. The deal that was on the table was very good. And that's, like I said, these reasons are still valid today.”

Hamilton now faces a new challenge, going up against Charles Leclerc in a car very different from Mercedes’. ''It's clear that there is moments of big frustration,'' Wolff admitted. ''But he's had those frustrations with us as well. so he just needs another good race weekend or two and then we're gonna see a very different Lewis Hamilton.''

Wolff also reflected on Hamilton’s self-criticism after a tough qualifying session in Hungary, when the Briton suggested Ferrari should replace him.

“I thought that was wrong to say that and I told him that the same evening and again the next day,” Wolff said. “Did you ever hear Michael Jordan say about himself, I'm useless and that you change the player? No.

For Wolff, Hamilton’s legacy is secure regardless of his Ferrari stint: “He's gonna retire, nobody's gonna ever know that he was at Ferrari at the end. Who thinks about the Schumacher and Mercedes time? That isn't relevant for Schumacher's career.”