P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff took advice from Manchester City Head Coach Pep Guardiola amid learning Lewis Hamilton wanted to leave Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
In 2023, Hamilton signed a contract extension with Mercedes, initially set until 2025. However, he surprised everyone by announcing his departure at the end of 2024 to join Ferrari. Toto Wolff, following Guardiola’s philosophy, accepted Hamilton’s decision and let him go smoothly. Mercedes chose Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s successor. This move marks the end of Hamilton’s long-standing relationship with Mercedes in F1, starting from his McLaren days. Wolff’s casual mention of recruiting from Ferrari led to Hamilton revealing his decision, leaving both parties to adjust to this significant change.
