Helping Hamilton To 8th Title To Be 'Totally Different Story' After Ferrari Move Says Wolff

Saturday, 03 February 2024 at 20:00

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Mercedes's team principal, Toto Wolff, asserted his team is still committed to helping Lewis Hamilton achieve his eighth title, but that will change in one year.

After the recent announcement of switching Mercedes for Ferrari at the beginning of 2025, Lewis Hamilton still has one more season to finish with his current team.

His quick and unexpected decision caught everyone (including Toto Wolff) by surprise. But the team principal said he held no grudge and respected the 39-year-old's decision.

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Toto Wolff Responds To Hamilton's Departure From Mercedes

In relation to his past statements about being committed to delivering Hamilton his eighth Championship title, Wolff clarified his approach to the current situation in a recent online call with the media. As quoted by Sky Sports, he said:

"When we talked about giving it all for an eighth, that is Lewis in a Mercedes. Lewis in a different car is obviously a totally different story."

How possible is it for Hamilton to actually win the eighth World Championship title with Mercedes during his last season with the team?

Damon Hill suggested the 39-year-old wouldn't be leaving Silver Arrows if he knew they had high chances of success. Nevertheless, Mercedes will be giving it everything, says Wolff.

"We will be giving it everything we have to win drivers' and constructors' championships in the years to come in the same way as we want to win it in 2024, but maybe with another driver."

The team principal and the number 44 driver both joined Mercedes ahead of the 2013 season, and over the years, they built a great relationship, which the Austrian said will last even after Hamilton departs the team.

The priority at the moment seems to be to win the eight Championship with the Briton this year. But then, the priority will change to beating Hamilton in the seasons to come.

"The friend side in me that says he should have an eighth because that was taken away from him. So if he wins that in 2024, that would be a great thing. Going forward, competing on track, I'd rather us win."