Toto Wolff's first clue on Hamilton's move to Ferrari came from Sainz Dad and...

Toto Wolff’s first clue on Hamilton’s move to Ferrari came from Sainz Dad and…read more

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently discussed how he first got hints about Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, thanks to an unlikely source: Carlos Sainz Sr. Although Hamilton formally broke the news to Wolff in January, Wolff’s suspicions had already been sparked.

Wolff shared the details during an episode of the High Performance Podcast. According to him, Sainz Sr. called him with insider information that his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., might be replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari. This call, along with an unusual number of contacts from other drivers’ parents, led Wolff to suspect a significant change was coming.

Curious about the rumors, Wolff decided to reach out directly to Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur. He texted Vasseur, asking if Ferrari was pursuing Hamilton, but got no response—an unusual reaction from someone Wolff considered a friend. This silence only added to Wolff’s growing sense that something big was underway.

Finally, in early January, Hamilton visited Wolff’s home to formally announce his decision. Wolff recounted a moment where he attempted to shift the tone of the conversation by mentioning Mercedes’ recruitment of former Ferrari chief designer Simone Resta. However, Hamilton soon disclosed his own news, confirming Wolff’s suspicions that the partnership was ending.

When Hamilton’s Ferrari deal went public, it was one of the most unexpected moves in recent F1 history. Despite the potential impact on Mercedes, Wolff maintained his composure, explaining that the situation wasn’t nearly as stressful as other life challenges he’d faced. Instead, he viewed it as a fresh set of risks and opportunities, particularly concerning how Mercedes would communicate the change to sponsors and plan for the upcoming season.

Wolff didn’t attempt to convince Hamilton to stay, adopting a pragmatic approach he’d previously discussed with Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola. According to Wolff, Guardiola had once told him that if a player believes they’ll be better off elsewhere, it’s best to let them go. Inspired by this philosophy, Wolff chose to respect Hamilton’s decision, aiming for an amicable departure that would benefit both parties.

Now, with Hamilton’s choice finalized, Wolff and Mercedes face a pivotal period of reconfiguration, preparing for a future without the driver who has been a central part of their success. The team will now focus on shaping a new chapter, both for themselves and for F1.