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Toto Wolff shuts down claims of Lewis Hamilton “checking out” before Mercedes exit

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
January 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Lewis Hamilton Bids Emotional Farewell to Mercedes After 12 Iconic Years: ‘A Chapter I’ll Treasure Forever’

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 8, 2024 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after finishing fourth in his last race for Mercedes REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has firmly denied rumors that Lewis Hamilton mentally checked out during his final season with the team in 2024. Despite a difficult campaign that saw the seven-time world champion finish seventh in the standings, Wolff maintained that Hamilton’s commitment never wavered, even as speculation swirled about his impending move to Ferrari.

Hamilton’s final season struggles

Hamilton’s 2024 season was far from vintage. While he managed two race wins, his performance paled in comparison to his earlier dominance, with George Russell outqualifying him 19-5 and finishing 22 points ahead. The season’s low points were highlighted by cryptic moments, including a dispirited radio message after a poor showing in Sao Paulo:
“If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.”

The comment fueled rumors that Hamilton had mentally moved on from Mercedes, especially after he admitted in Las Vegas that he briefly considered not finishing the season:
“In the moment, that’s how I felt. I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend.”

Hamilton attributed his frustrations to the uncharacteristically tough season:
“It’s frustrating when you have a season like this. Which I’m pretty sure I won’t have again, or at least, I’ll work towards not having again.”

Wolff defends Hamilton’s professionalism

Despite the public perception, Wolff dismissed suggestions that Hamilton had checked out or was focused more on his future at Ferrari than his present at Mercedes:
“I don’t think his head was in his new team yet. Lewis is too professional for that,” Wolff told Auto Motor und Sport.

Wolff pointed to Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi as evidence of his dedication. Starting 16th after a poor strategic call, Hamilton charged through the field to finish fourth, overtaking Russell on the final lap.

“That performance showed the Lewis we all know—a fighter until the end,” Wolff added.

A car that didn’t fit Hamilton’s style

One factor in Hamilton’s struggles, Wolff speculated, was the incompatibility between Hamilton’s aggressive driving style and the current generation of F1 cars introduced under the 2022 ground effect regulations:
“This generation of car doesn’t suit Lewis. He brakes late and hits the car aggressively into the corners. The car and the tyres sometimes don’t forgive that. This is more noticeable in qualifying than in the race.”

Hamilton’s qualifying woes were stark in 2024, with just one pole position since the ground effect regulations were introduced—a solitary highlight at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix.

The road ahead: Ferrari redemption?

As Hamilton heads to Ferrari in 2025, the focus will be on whether the Scuderia can provide him with a car that better suits his driving style and helps him recapture his form. The move marks a pivotal moment in Hamilton’s storied career, as he seeks to add to his record-tying seven world championships with a fresh start.

For Wolff, Hamilton’s time at Mercedes will always be remembered for its historic achievements rather than its challenging conclusion:
“He remains one of the greatest drivers of all time, and we were lucky to have him in our team for so long. I wish him all the best at Ferrari.”

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