When the sixth season of *Drive to Survive* premiered in February, Toto Wolff was captured on screen expressing disbelief at the idea of Lewis Hamilton in red. Yet, next season, the British driver will indeed be donning red as he announced his departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 championship.
Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari was confirmed on February 1, following a day of intense speculation. He informed Toto Wolff over coffee on a Wednesday, with the official announcement released the next day. This revelation came just three weeks after Wolff was seen in *Drive to Survive* stating he couldn’t envision Hamilton in red.
In a recent interview with the *Independent*, Wolff reflected on his earlier comment: “He told me he was going to stay, then he decided to leave. People’s opinions and circumstances can change, and you have to respect that. What’s true today might not be tomorrow. I have no hard feelings.”
Wolff, who has managed Hamilton since 2013, believes the driver can clinch his record-breaking eighth World title with Ferrari. Wolff expressed his confidence, saying, “If Ferrari can provide Lewis with a competitive car, he can undoubtedly win a World Championship.” He added that despite becoming competitors, he will always cherish their professional and personal relationship and wish Hamilton well.
More insights on Lewis Hamilton’s surprising switch to Ferrari include:
– “10 Biggest Sports Deals in History: Where Does Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Salary Rank?”
– “Revealed: The Remarkable 36-Hour Timeline Behind Lewis Hamilton’s Shock Ferrari Move.”
Wolff recounted that Hamilton once assured him he would remain with Mercedes indefinitely. Reflecting on the February announcement, Wolff recalled, “It was tough for him to tell me. He left for the Christmas holiday as a Mercedes driver for life. Normally, we don’t communicate much during that break, but he returned and asked for a coffee. That’s when he told me, ‘I’m leaving for Ferrari.’ I was stunned.”
Hamilton’s departure will mark the end of a 12-year partnership with Mercedes, which has yielded six Drivers’ Championship titles, 82 Grand Prix victories, and eight Constructors’ titles.
