Wolff Reflects on Hamilton's Remarkable 12-Year Journey with Mercedes
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Abu Dhabi, Dec 5 (NationPress) Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff discussed Lewis Hamilton's challenges with the W15, the legacy of their collaboration, and the emotions tied to the conclusion of a legendary era as the seven-time world champion prepares to say an emotional goodbye to Mercedes after 12 remarkable years. He is set to join Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton's 2024 season has been fraught with difficulties. Although standout moments like his impressive victory at Silverstone and a triumphant outing in Belgium highlighted the brilliance that has characterized his career, the Briton has also faced a series of tough races.
The core of his challenges lies in Mercedes' W15 - a car that Wolff acknowledges has proven difficult to master. Hamilton's innate ability to brake late and navigate corners has been hindered by the car's sensitivity and tendency for understeer, especially on circuits like Qatar.
Wolff elaborated on the hurdles Hamilton has encountered: "One of his strengths is the way he’s able to brake late and attack the corner, and that car can’t take it. When the grip comes in, that phenomenon is even more articulated and makes it even worse for him. If the car slides more and lacks grip, it comes alive, but that contributes to him struggling more than George," Wolff shared with Formula 1's official website.
The Qatar Grand Prix epitomized the ups and downs of Hamilton's season. A series of missteps, including a false start penalty, a puncture, and speeding in the pit lane, culminated in a race to forget. In contrast, teammate George Russell adapted more effectively to the W15's quirks, finishing third in the Sprint and fourth in the Grand Prix.
Despite these difficulties, Wolff remains focused on the extraordinary legacy Hamilton has built with Mercedes. Since joining the team in 2013, Hamilton has redefined the sport, claiming six of his seven world championships with the Brackley-based team. Together, they achieved a record-breaking eight consecutive constructors' titles and shattered numerous records.
Wolff quickly put the current challenges into perspective: "Nothing is going to take away 12 incredible years with eight constructors’ championships and six drivers’ titles. That is what will be in the memory. After next Sunday, we’ll look back on this great period of time rather than a season or some races that were particularly bad. We’ll stay with the good memories."
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will signify Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes before he embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, teaming up with Charles Leclerc. For Mercedes, this transition marks a changing of the guard, with rookie Kimi Antonelli stepping up to join Russell.
Wolff recognized the emotional weight of Hamilton’s departure.
"It will be emotional. In a way, it doesn’t touch us yet so much because we are right in the middle of everything - fighting, trying to do our best every session, every day. But the closer it comes, the more emotional it will be, and particularly Sunday, the last laps of the last race."
Despite his struggles, Hamilton has earned five podium finishes in 2024, including wins at Silverstone and Spa. However, he has experienced moments of vulnerability. Following a tough weekend in Sao Paulo, Hamilton confessed he "didn’t want to come back" and later stated that he doesn’t feel "fast anymore."
These moments underscore the personal toll of a challenging season, yet Hamilton's resilience and professionalism have remained unwavering. Wolff remains optimistic for a strong conclusion: "We have one more to go. We will continue to give it our utmost and celebrate the partnership and relationship we’ve had. Those few races will be forgotten quickly, as much as it hurts at the moment."
Hamilton’s tenure at Mercedes has been one of the most successful partnerships in motorsport history. From his electrifying debut season in 2013 to his dominance during the hybrid era, he has left an indelible mark on the team and the sport.
