The breakup didn’t hurt him. At least that’s what he says. This Saturday, Toto Wolff, the boss of the German Mercedes team, spoke about the departure of Lewis Hamilton in an interview with L’Équipe. The British driver has decided to join Ferrari next season.
This should not affect Mercedes’ plans, according to Toto Wolff. “We always overestimate the involvement of drivers in the development of a car,” he commented. No more than the announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s departure, which occurred in February, affected the morale of the troops: “We all made an effort to ensure that it went well, even when the performance was not up to par. YOU. »
Arriving at Mercedes in 2013, Lewis Hamilton reigned over Formula 1 and won six titles for the German team. “The love for Lewis will always remain,” commented Toto Wolff. The love for the character, for the story we lived together. » Even if he claims not to feel betrayed or hurt: “I digested it five minutes after Lewis left me. »
To replace the British legend, Toto Wolff bet on the very young Kimi Antonelli. This 18-year-old Italian driver is a product of Mercedes training. “When we look at the data from his career in the lower categories, (…) it gives us a good idea of what he can become, and what we hope to have. »
However, Toto Wolff also admitted to having thought about the possibility of Max Verstappen, if he had decided to leave Red Bull after the turmoil of the Horner affair. The Austrian team boss was accused of “inappropriate behavior” in February and in conflict with the Dutch driver’s father. “There was always a possibility that something would happen there,” Toto Wolff slipped.
