Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari have raised eyebrows in the Formula 1 world, but Toto Wolff is not ready to count him out just yet. Despite a lackluster start to the 2025 season with Ferrari, Hamilton’s former boss at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, cautions against underestimating the seven-time world champion.
Since his move to Ferrari, Hamilton has failed to secure a podium finish in the first ten races, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has already clinched three top-three finishes. However, Wolff believes that Hamilton’s talent cannot be discounted, citing the need for a transition period when switching teams.
Wolff emphasized, “You don’t unlearn driving that quickly. Just by changing teams, suddenly you don’t lose your skills.” He highlighted the challenges of adapting to a new car, team, and driving dynamics, suggesting that Hamilton’s slow start is part of the adjustment process.
The Mercedes team principal also pointed out Hamilton’s historical pattern of starting seasons slowly before gaining momentum in the latter half, advising against writing off the British driver prematurely. Wolff emphasized the unique dynamic between Hamilton and Mercedes, acknowledging the irreplaceable bond they share both on and off the track.
With George Russell stepping into the lead role at Mercedes, Wolff drew parallels with young talent Kimi Antonelli’s promotion to the F1 ranks. Reflecting on the complexities of managing tires and the learning curve for young drivers, Wolff highlighted the time and experience required for new talents to challenge seasoned drivers successfully.
As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he navigates the challenges at Ferrari and strives to prove his critics wrong. Will the British racing icon rise to the occasion and silence the doubters? Only time will tell in this high-stakes Formula 1 drama.