Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has expressed confidence in Lewis Hamilton‘s ability to adapt smoothly when he makes his much-anticipated move to Ferrari in Formula 1 for the 2025 season.
Hamilton will end his long-standing relationship with Mercedes after this year, as he prepares to join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari next year.
Given that Hamilton has only raced for British-based teams in his F1 career, some have questioned how well he’ll adjust to the unique culture at Maranello.
However, Wolff, Hamilton’s current team principal, is sure that the seven-time world champion will face few hurdles in settling into the Ferrari setup.
“I think many people say that it’s going to be really difficult,” Wolff told Autosport.
“But I think if you say it’s going to be really difficult, then often it’s the opposite.
“Ferrari is a great team, great people, lots of emotion and passion and therefore it’s pressure. But I believe they are going to find a way of working with each other.”
Hamilton was adamant earlier in the campaign that he has ignored external comments regarding his decision as he harbours zero regrets over his next career choice.
“There’s not been a moment where I’ve questioned it, and I’m not swayed by other people’s comments,” he said.
“Even today, there’s people continuing to talk shit, and it will continue on for the rest of the year.
“And I’ll have to just do what I did in the previous time. Only you can know what was right for you. And it will be an exciting time for me.”
Mercedes revealed during the Italian Grand Prix weekend last month that rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli will take over the race seat Hamilton is leaving.
Wolff has stated that the buzz around Antonelli’s upcoming F1 debut as a rookie has helped lessen the sorrow linked to Hamilton’s departure.
“We’ve had such a brilliant run with Lewis over the past 12 years,” Wolff noted. “He’ll always be part of the family.
“But naturally, as rivals, when we try to outpace him next year, Kimi joining George [Russell] clearly brings momentum, plus youth and a fresh outlook.
“You can sense the smile across our organisation at having an 18-year-old in the car.
“That said, obviously, there will be times when Lewis’s experience would have aided the team.
“Kimi will face a steep learning curve, but it’s absolutely the right move for the team and there’s not one person who would have done it differently.”
