Wolff makes DISMAL Hamilton 2025...

Wolff makes DISMAL Hamilton 2025…read more

Toto Wolff has made a rather bleak prediction for Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 Formula 1 season, particularly with his move to Ferrari. After announcing his departure from Mercedes in 2024, Hamilton’s transition to the iconic Italian team is generating considerable anticipation. However, Wolff, who was Hamilton’s boss during their highly successful time together at Mercedes, is not optimistic about the seven-time world champion’s prospects in the upcoming season.

Hamilton’s tenure with Mercedes ended on a low note. The 2024 season marked his worst performance in terms of championship standings, as he finished in seventh place, behind his teammate George Russell. This disappointing result came after several years of dominating the sport and winning multiple world titles. The struggles in the 2024 season were particularly noticeable during qualifying, where Hamilton’s struggles with the car were evident. After the Qatar Grand Prix in 2024, Hamilton publicly admitted that he felt he was “no longer fast,” a remark that raised eyebrows and hinted at the deep frustrations he was feeling.

Despite these challenges, there are still hopes that the switch to Ferrari might reignite Hamilton’s career. Many believe that the change of scenery could allow him to perform at the same high level he once did, potentially giving him the opportunity to secure that elusive eighth world title. Yet, Wolff remains skeptical about Hamilton’s chances, especially considering the type of car that will be in use during the 2025 season.

Wolff explained that the current generation of Formula 1 cars, which use ground effect aerodynamics, doesn’t seem to suit Hamilton’s driving style. According to Wolff, Hamilton is known for his aggressive driving style, often braking late and attacking corners with intensity. However, this approach doesn’t always mesh well with the current car designs and the way the tires behave. This is especially true during qualifying, where the aggressive driving style sometimes leads to a lack of performance.

While Wolff acknowledges that Hamilton’s struggles in 2024 might also have been influenced by his mindset as he prepared for the move to Ferrari, he doesn’t believe it was the sole factor behind his underperformance. He remarked that Hamilton is a professional of the highest caliber, and while there might have been distractions, his focus would have remained on the task at hand, even if his head was already partially focused on his next chapter with Ferrari.

The discussion then shifted to the impact of age on racing drivers, particularly when asked about whether older drivers like Hamilton might face challenges as they get older. Wolff pointed out that the physical demands of racing do affect everyone eventually, but he also emphasized that elite athletes like Hamilton, who are intensely dedicated to their craft, are often able to push these challenges aside for longer than most. He pointed to Fernando Alonso, who, despite being older, continues to perform at a very high level, showcasing that experience and skill can still lead to strong performances, even as the years go by. Wolff suggests that the same could apply to Hamilton, who, like Alonso, may be able to compensate for any physical declines with his wealth of experience and commitment to excellence.

Despite these encouraging words about Hamilton’s mental fortitude and ability to adapt, Wolff’s overall outlook for the 2025 season is far from optimistic. He doesn’t expect the change of team or car to instantly transform Hamilton’s fortunes, especially considering the characteristics of the current generation of F1 cars, which he believes do not align well with Hamilton’s strengths.

For now, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he begins his new chapter with Ferrari. The transition from Mercedes to Ferrari is one of the most significant moves in recent Formula 1 history, and the expectations are high. However, with Wolff’s warning about the challenges Hamilton may face with the current car generation, it seems the path to a potential eighth world title may not be as straightforward as many hope. As the 2025 season approaches, fans and pundits alike will be keen to see how Hamilton adapts to his new environment and whether he can defy the odds and reignite the magic that once made him one of the most dominant drivers in the history of the sport.