P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is getting used to the sight of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari but he’s keen for his team to beat its newfound F1 rival.
After 12 seasons, Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton parted ways at the end of 2024, with the seven-time champion joining Ferrari. Initially resistant to the idea, Wolff has since become accustomed to seeing Hamilton in red. Wolff expressed his feelings on the iconic photo of Hamilton in a suit and tie at Ferrari headquarters, noting the irony of the situation. While personally wishing Hamilton well, Wolff has made it clear that on the racetrack, Mercedes aims to beat their former driver. In Hamilton’s stead, 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been entrusted with Mercedes’ seat, a decision influenced by the performance of young drivers like Oliver Bearman. Antonelli’s success in junior series and extensive preparation in old Mercedes F1 cars demonstrate Mercedes’ confidence in grooming him for competition against Hamilton and Ferrari.
