Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has said he holds no grudge against Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time world champion's decision to leave the team and join Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton's move, announced on Thursday, came as a surprise to Wolff, who was informed by the driver only on Wednesday morning.
Wolff and Hamilton have worked together since 2013, forming a close friendship during one of the most successful periods in Formula One history. Hamilton had previously stated his intention to end his career with Mercedes and signed a new contract in August 2023. However, that deal included a release clause for 2025, which Hamilton has now activated.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the news broke, Wolff said he did not attempt to dissuade Hamilton from leaving. 'We're big boys,' Wolff said. 'We knew that by signing a short-term contract, it could be of benefit for both sides. We couldn't commit for a longer period. And he's taken the option to exit. So we totally respect that you can change your mind.'
Wolff acknowledged that the timing was unexpected but emphasised that their personal relationship remains strong. 'In the future we will discuss whether this could have been done in a different way but I hold no grudge,' he said. 'Having slept a few nights on it, it means our professional journey comes to an end, but it doesn't mean that our personal relationship ends.'
Hamilton told Wolff he wanted a new challenge, a reason the team principal said he fully understood. 'How he framed it to me is perfectly understandable,' Wolff said. 'That he needed a new challenge, that he was looking for a different environment, and that it was maybe the last possibility to do something else.'
