BREAKING: Mercedes BOSS Toto Wolff reveals Pep Guardiola role in Hamilton Ferrari switch...Read More

Wolff Reveals Pep Guardiola’s Influence on Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari

In a surprising twist, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has revealed the unexpected influence of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari. Hamilton’s departure, which was announced ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season, sent shockwaves through the sporting world, marking the end of a remarkable 12-year partnership with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion will be joining Ferrari from next season, where he hopes to revive his chances of competing at the top of the grid.

The 39-year-old driver has had a difficult 2024 season, struggling to challenge the front-runners, and currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings as the Las Vegas Grand Prix approaches. Hamilton’s decision to switch teams comes at a time when Ferrari has been finishing the season strongly, providing hope that he might return to title contention next year alongside Charles Leclerc at the Scuderia.

Ahead of Hamilton’s much-anticipated switch to Ferrari, Wolff has shed light on how his conversation with Pep Guardiola helped him come to terms with the champion’s departure. Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Wolff explained that the Manchester City manager’s perspective on handling player exits influenced his approach to Hamilton’s decision.

Wolff recalled the conversation, saying, “I think if somebody decides to leave, you have to let them go.” He then shared how his exchange with Guardiola shaped his thinking. “I had a chat with Pep Guardiola a long time ago. He’s a friend, and I asked him, ‘What do you do when a player wants to leave?’”

Wolff explained that he initially expected Guardiola to talk about persuading the player to stay, but the football manager’s answer surprised him. “Pep said, ‘If somebody believes they can perform better somewhere else or earn more, you just have to let them go,’” Wolff recounted. This piece of advice resonated deeply with the Mercedes boss, who adopted the same mindset when dealing with Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari.

The advice from Guardiola encouraged Wolff to take a pragmatic approach to Hamilton’s departure. Instead of attempting to persuade the British driver to stay at Mercedes, Wolff embraced the idea that it was best to part ways in a manner that worked for both sides. “That’s something I embrace in the same way here,” Wolff said. “If somebody wants to go, then let’s make it as good as possible for both parties.”

Despite Hamilton’s departure marking the end of an iconic partnership between Mercedes and the seven-time world champion, Wolff remained philosophical about the situation. Reflecting on the challenges he has faced in life, the Austrian acknowledged that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari did not represent a significant emotional hurdle for him. “I’ve had much worse things happen in my life—real drama and trauma,” Wolff noted. “This is just a new situation, and it’s not even moving the needle.

Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has the potential to reshape the Formula 1 landscape. After a tough 2024 season with Mercedes, where he struggled to compete at the front of the pack, the British driver is looking for a fresh start with the Italian team. Ferrari’s resurgence in the latter half of the season has been promising, and Hamilton will be eager to join forces with Charles Leclerc and challenge for wins and titles in 2025.

As Hamilton’s time with Mercedes draws to a close, his legacy with the team remains undeniable. Over the course of 12 years, Hamilton helped Mercedes achieve unprecedented success in the sport, securing six of his seven world titles with the Silver Arrows and breaking countless records along the way. His move to Ferrari marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Wolff, with Guardiola’s wisdom in mind, is focused on ensuring a smooth transition as Mercedes prepares for life after Hamilton. Both sides are aiming to finish the season on a high note as they bid farewell to one of the greatest driver-team partnerships in Formula 1 history.