P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Mercedes boss was informed by Lewis Hamilton of his decision to leave the team on Wednesday.
Toto Wolff expressed his respect for Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari and stated that he does not hold any grudge against him. Hamilton’s announcement on Thursday about his departure from Mercedes at the end of 2024 came as a shock to the F1 world, as he will be racing for Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc from 2025. The seven-time champion informed Wolff, his long-time boss and friend, over breakfast at Wolff’s UK home before the team was officially briefed later that day. Wolff now needs to find a replacement driver for Hamilton, who joined Mercedes in 2013 and has had a highly successful career with 82 wins and six titles. Despite the suddenness of the decision, Wolff understands the difficult situation Hamilton faced and aims to maintain their personal relationship. He also expressed willingness to discuss if things could have been handled differently.
