AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

‘Still Fast, Still Fierce’: Toto Wolff Backs Hamilton to Rebound After Tough 2024 Season

Virgilio Machado by Virgilio Machado
January 28, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Toto Wolff worries about Andrea Kimi Antonelli being exposed to George Russell’s impressive abilities in Formula 1.

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton faced a stormy 2024 season, and the stats tell the story: a 19-5 qualifying defeat to his younger teammate George Russell and an astonishing four Q1 exits, including the season finale in Abu Dhabi. For a driver with a record 104 pole positions, the sudden drop-off left fans, pundits, and even conspiracy theorists scrambling for answers.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has broken his silence on Hamilton’s struggles, pointing to the unforgiving nature of F1’s ground-effect era and its tricky Pirelli tyres.

“He Brakes Late, but the Tyres Don’t Forgive”

Hamilton’s legendary driving style—braking late and attacking corners with ferocity—simply isn’t compatible with the current generation of Formula 1 cars, says Wolff. “Lewis simply doesn’t like this generation of cars,” Wolff explained to AMuS. “He brakes late and enters the corner aggressively, and the car and the tyres are sometimes unforgiving. And this is more noticeable in qualifying than in the race.”

While some speculated that Hamilton’s head was already at Ferrari—his new team for 2025—Wolff dismissed the notion, saying, “He’s too professional for that.”

Age vs. Legacy

At 40 years old, Hamilton is the elder statesman of the F1 grid, raising questions about whether age is catching up with him. Wolff, however, insists that Hamilton’s fitness and mental sharpness rival that of younger drivers. “I believe that a top athlete like Lewis, completely focused on what he does, can postpone the decline for a long time,” he said, drawing parallels to 42-year-old Fernando Alonso, who continues to perform at an elite level.

Hamilton’s Ferrari Adventure Awaits

With his Mercedes chapter closed, Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 marks a fresh start. At Maranello, he’ll be paired with Charles Leclerc, another top-tier talent. But can Hamilton reignite his qualifying dominance and challenge for an eighth world title?

“He still has that fire,” Wolff added. “Lewis has shown time and again that when faced with adversity, he comes back stronger. With Ferrari’s resources and his experience, I wouldn’t count him out.”

What’s Next for Hamilton?

Hamilton’s last pole position came at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, and the big question heading into 2025 is whether he can rediscover that magic. With Ferrari reportedly building a strong 2025 challenger, the Tifosi are dreaming of their new star adding a dash of red to his legacy.

For now, the racing world waits to see if the King of Qualifying can rise again.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Charles Leclerc Celebrates Ferrari’s Stunning Podium Comeback at F1 US GP Amid Rumors and Doubts
Motorsports

Charles Leclerc Celebrates Ferrari’s Stunning Podium Comeback at F1 US GP Amid Rumors and Doubts

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc Makes a Stunning Comeback at the US Grand Prix, Defying the Critics! In a thrilling display of...

by Virgilio Machado
October 20, 2025
Panic at McLaren: Piastri’s Confidence Crumbles as Verstappen Hunts Down Championship Glory
Motorsports

Panic at McLaren: Piastri’s Confidence Crumbles as Verstappen Hunts Down Championship Glory

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Virgilio Machado
October 20, 2025
Red Bull’s Shocking Grid Manipulation: The High-Stakes Battle Against Lando Norris Unveiled!
Motorsports

Red Bull’s Shocking Grid Manipulation: The High-Stakes Battle Against Lando Norris Unveiled!

Formula One F1 - Italian Grand Prix - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy - September 7, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris...

by James Taylor
October 20, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Relentless Dominance Sends McLaren Spiraling into Title Crisis!
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Relentless Dominance Sends McLaren Spiraling into Title Crisis!

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Arthur Ling
October 20, 2025

Recent News

Michael Leiters de regresso à Porsche para comandar os destinos da empresa

Michael Leiters returns to Porsche to lead the company’s direction.

October 20, 2025
Alemanha reintroduz incentivos para elétricos

Germany reintroduces incentives for electric vehicles.

October 20, 2025
Charles Leclerc Celebrates Ferrari’s Stunning Podium Comeback at F1 US GP Amid Rumors and Doubts

Charles Leclerc Celebrates Ferrari’s Stunning Podium Comeback at F1 US GP Amid Rumors and Doubts

October 20, 2025
Panic at McLaren: Piastri’s Confidence Crumbles as Verstappen Hunts Down Championship Glory

Panic at McLaren: Piastri’s Confidence Crumbles as Verstappen Hunts Down Championship Glory

October 20, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.