P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes F1 boss reveals Lewis Hamilton meet-ups in Ferrari snub
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has emphasized the strength of his bond with Lewis Hamilton, especially after the latter’s move to Ferrari. Despite Hamilton’s tough 2025 season, Wolff has continued to support him, asserting that Hamilton’s brilliance persists. Wolff shared in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that he and Hamilton still maintain a close friendship. Interestingly, Hamilton chooses to travel between races with Wolff and their old Mercedes colleagues rather than with his new Ferrari team. The camaraderie among the “old gang” of Bottas, Russell, Hamilton, and Wolff endures post-Mercedes success.
In hindsight, it seems logical to suggest that Hamilton should have stayed with Mercedes, given the team’s strong performances in 2025 and their favorable position to adapt to the new regulations. George Russell’s notable victory in a non-McLaren, non-Red Bull car in 2025 underscores Mercedes’ capabilities. Meanwhile, Hamilton has struggled with Ferrari, failing to secure a podium finish while languishing behind in the standings. As the F1 season unfolds, Hamilton faces challenges against his competitors, with Piastri leading the pack. The F1 landscape sees Horner potentially excelling with Ferrari, while Red Bull faces the risk of sliding to the back of the grid in terms of speed.
