Wolff urged with Vasseur over Hamilton ‘divorce’: ‘He’s your pr…

Wolff urged with Vasseur over Hamilton ‘divorce’: ‘He’s your pr…read more

Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season has sparked an amusing exchange between two of the sport’s most prominent figures—Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur. The lighthearted interaction took place before the F1 75 Live event, where the two team bosses jokingly discussed Hamilton’s transition and how it affected Wolff.

Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari marks the end of an era with Mercedes, where he spent 12 years achieving remarkable success. During his time with the team, he secured an impressive eight Constructors’ Championships and nearly all of his seven World Drivers’ Championships. The partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes was one of the most dominant in F1 history, with Wolff playing a crucial role in their shared triumphs. The Briton’s decision to leave the Brackley-based team has naturally left a significant impact, not just on Mercedes but also on Wolff personally.

Wolff, known for his charismatic and often humorous approach, couldn’t help but compare Hamilton’s departure to an amicable divorce. He explained that while there was no animosity between them, seeing his longtime driver join another team felt akin to watching an ex-partner move on with someone new. This lighthearted analogy set the stage for a playful exchange between Wolff and Vasseur, highlighting the friendly rivalry that now exists between the two team principals.

Before Wolff could elaborate on his feelings, Vasseur, never one to miss an opportunity for humor, jumped in with a witty remark. “You have to pay the pension, no? Or something like this when you get divorced?” he quipped, suggesting that Wolff might still owe something even after Hamilton’s departure. The comment sparked laughter, keeping the conversation fun and engaging.

Wolff, quick to respond, played along with the joke. “But he’s remarrying,” he said, implying that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was like entering a new, exciting chapter with a different team. The exchange showcased not only Wolff’s good-natured response to the situation but also Vasseur’s ability to keep things lighthearted while acknowledging the magnitude of Hamilton’s switch.

As the conversation continued, Wolff decided to turn the joke around on Vasseur. With a smirk, he remarked, “You have taken over… Your problem [now],” playfully suggesting that Hamilton was now Ferrari’s responsibility, and whatever challenges or expectations came with his arrival were for Vasseur to handle. The remark reflected a mix of humor and truth, as Vasseur will indeed have to integrate Hamilton into the team and manage the high expectations that come with signing one of F1’s greatest drivers.

Despite the competitive nature of Formula 1, the interaction between Wolff and Vasseur demonstrated the camaraderie that still exists among team principals. Their ability to joke about such a major transition in the sport shows mutual respect, even as they prepare to face off in one of the most highly anticipated rivalries of the upcoming season.

Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes was undoubtedly one of the biggest moves in recent F1 history, and it continues to generate discussions and reactions from fans and insiders alike. While Wolff and Mercedes must now focus on their future without the seven-time world champion, Vasseur and Ferrari are gearing up to welcome Hamilton into their ranks and maximize his potential in the legendary red car.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Hamilton adapts to Ferrari and whether his presence will bring the team back to championship contention. For now, though, the playful banter between Wolff and Vasseur offers a lighter moment in what is sure to be a fiercely competitive battle on track.