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Toto Wolff addresses a potential “breakdown of trust” with Lewis Hamilton for going behind his back and negotiating with Ferrari
Toto Wolff recently addressed whether Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari caused a “breakdown of trust” between them.
The Mercedes team principal confirmed there was no such fallout, despite learning about Hamilton’s switch through paddock rumors rather than directly from the driver.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari earlier this year, despite having one year left on his Mercedes deal.
His decision to join the Maranello-based team shocked the F1 world, given his long-standing association with Mercedes.
The move will bring an end to a 12-year partnership during which Hamilton secured six of his seven titles.
Wolff revealed he first heard about Hamilton’s negotiations with Ferrari from Carlos Sainz Sr., father of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.
This surprising revelation came amid widespread speculation within the paddock.
Addressing the situation in a recent interview, Wolff dismissed the idea of a fractured relationship, emphasizing that trust between himself and Hamilton remains intact.
The news of Hamilton’s switch comes as the 2024 F1 season winds down. After the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton has only two races left with Mercedes before officially joining Ferrari.
At Ferrari, he will team up with Charles Leclerc and work under team principal Fred Vasseur, his former F2 team boss. Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz, who is set to move to Williams.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s impending departure, Wolff shared his thoughts following the free practice sessions in Las Vegas.
He acknowledged the significance of their time together, describing Hamilton’s contributions to Mercedes as monumental.
Their partnership has been one of the most successful in F1 history, redefining the sport over the past decade.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes marks the end of an era and sets the stage for an intriguing new chapter in his career.
His move to Ferrari signals a bold step, as he aims to bring success back to the iconic Scuderia team.
Meanwhile, Mercedes faces the challenge of adapting to life without their star driver.
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