Method 1 star Lewis Hamilton not too long ago made the stunning resolution to bolt from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS in favor of Scuderia Ferrari on the finish of the 2024 season.
On Friday, Mercedes workforce principal Toto Wolff made it clear that there have been no onerous emotions over Lewis’ resolution. Wolff additionally acknowledged that he was conscious of the rumors surrounding Lewis’ potential departure, however didn’t know for sure till the F1 star revealed his intentions in a gathering over breakfast earlier this week.
Lewis is now set to hitch Ferrari for the 2025 season after racing for Mercedes for greater than a decade. He received six of his seven championships with the workforce.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Lewis Hamilton of Nice Britain and Mercedes GP and Mercedes GP Govt Director Toto Wolff on stage for the F1 Dwell occasion throughout previews forward of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 13, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Clive Mason/Getty Pictures)
”The shock was that I’ve heard the rumors a few days earlier however needed to attend for the breakfast we had deliberate, and it was Wednesday morning, and that is when he broke the information,” Wolff mentioned.
”However, you understand, you might be very simple with me as a result of I’m very simple too. So as soon as he mentioned, ‘That is what I’m making an attempt to do,’ that was the actual fact. I didn’t attempt to persuade him in any other case.”
TOM BRADY APOLOGIZES TO F1 DRIVER FOR MISSING LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, PROVIDES WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Wolff added that he nonetheless considers Hamilton a buddy. ”Sooner or later, we are going to focus on whether or not this might have been accomplished otherwise or not, however I maintain no grudge.”
FILE – Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes workforce principal g proper, have a good time after Hamilton received the race and his seventh world championship on the Method One Turkish Grand Prix on the Istanbul Park circuit racetrack in Istanbul, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. (AP Picture/Kenan Asyali, Pool, File)
Hamilton agreed to a multi-year extension with Mercedes final August, however he’s activating a launch clause that permits him to exit after a 12 months.
Wolff mentioned the actual fact Hamilton was looking for a brand new problem wasn’t a shock however the timing was. He instructed Hamilton is likely to be ”rolling the cube” because the 39-year-old driver seeks one other shot at what can be his eighth F1 title.
”We knew that by signing a short-term contract, it could possibly be of profit for either side. We couldn’t commit for an extended interval and he’s taking the choice to exit. We completely respect which you could change your thoughts, it’s totally different circumstances,” he mentioned.
Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes forward of Method 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 26, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto through Getty Pictures)
Hamilton’s has not received a race 2021, when he simply missed out on the title to Max Verstappen in dramatic trend on the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Wolff mentioned he has no issues about involving Hamilton with Mercedes’ automotive improvement, even with Hamilton resulting from be part of a rival. ”I don’t have any doubt in Lewis’ integrity by way of sharing data,” Wolff mentioned.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Mercedes has been a key supporter of Hamilton’s efforts to enhance variety in F1. In 2021, he and the workforce joined collectively to arrange the Ignite initiative to present extra alternatives for individuals from a various vary of backgrounds who need to enter careers in areas like motorsport, science and engineering.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
Observe Fox Information Digital’s sports activities protection on X and subscribe to the Fox Information Sports activities Huddle e-newsletter.