P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed Lewis Hamilton’s exit ensured it wouldn’t lose Andrea Kimi Antonelli to another F1 team as it did with Max Verstappen.
Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari a year ago led to Mercedes promoting Antonelli, an 18-year-old, to partner George Russell starting this season. Russell left due to a break clause in his previous Mercedes contract, a one-plus-one deal from September 2023. Although Hamilton had planned to end his career with Mercedes, Wolff’s reluctance to extend his contract played a role in his switch. Wolff acknowledged Hamilton’s departure was unexpected but saw it as an opportunity to keep Antonelli at Mercedes. He expressed relief that the situation prevented him from having to initiate the separation with Hamilton. Wolff believes Hamilton was aware of Antonelli potentially taking his place, influencing his choice to depart. Ultimately, Wolff supports Hamilton’s decision to leave on his terms and recognizes the rising talent of Antonelli.
