Toto Wolff said he told Lewis Hamilton his first pictures as a Ferrari driver were “iconic”, as the Mercedes boss revealed what it was like seeing his former driver in the colours of one of their biggest rivals for the first time.
Hamilton made global headlines last week when the first pictures of the Briton at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters were released, with the seven-time world champion also holding his first photocall in the Italian team’s famous red overalls before driving one of their cars for the first time.
And after 12 years at Mercedes where Hamilton rewrote Formula 1’s record books with the Silver Arrows, Wolff admitted seeing the first Ferrari pictures made an impact on him.
“It’s a little bit like you divorce amicably, and it’s all good, and then you see your partner for the first time with a new friend!” the Mercedes team principal told Sky Sports News at the Autosport Awards.
“But I’m really happy for him, and I told him that those pictures were iconic that he made – it was so well curated and no surprise with Lewis.”
Scuderia Ferrari share brand new EXTENDED footage of Lewis Hamilton’s first test drive in red – from garage to track!!! (Credit: Scuderia Ferrari)
What can Mercedes achieve in 2025?
Now into their post-Hamilton era with 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli stepping up to the Briton’s seat next to George Russell, Mercedes are aiming to mount a more consistent challenge to the front in 2025 after winning four races but finishing only fourth in the constructors’ standings last year.
They launch their new W16 car on February 24, a day before it is given its shakedown in Bahrain and two days before pre-season testing begins at the same circuit.
“We were scratching our head a lot last year, particularly in the beginning,” said Wolff of 2024’s W15.
“Like all the other teams, we had ups and downs; we had some very dominant performances and then other races that were not so good.
“At the end of the day, when the flag drops, we’re going to see in qualifying in Melbourne where we stand.”
Craig Slater provides updates as Lewis Hamilton suffers a crash during Ferrari testing which has been described as ‘perfectly normal’ at this stage of the pre-season.
Italy’s Antonelli, who turned 18 last September and this week passed his driving test, is regarded as one of motorsport’s brightest rising stars and Wolff added: “He’s been in the team, integrated for such a long time.
“We’ve known him since he was 11, and in that respect, he’s been prepared, he’s ready to go and he can’t wait.”
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
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