Toto Wolff makes surprising 'very important' comment about Lewis Hamilton

Toto Wolff has surprisingly stated how "very important" Lewis Hamilton remains to Mercedes despite severing his longstanding ties to the F1 team at the end of last season to make a high-profile move to Ferrari.

Hamilton's association with Mercedes stretches back to his formative years, through to his time with McLaren, when it was supported by the German manufacturer as an engine supplier, before making a shock switch to the works team in 2013.

The 40-year-old went on to win six of his seven drivers' titles with Mercedes before stunning the F1 world by announcing on February 1, 2024, that the upcoming season would be his last with the team and he would be joining Ferrari.

Despite his struggles with the Scuderia, Hamilton has continually offered his support to his replacement at Mercedes, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, who hit the ground running, only to falter since F1 hit the European season, scoring one point in seven grands prix on either side of his best result of the campaign with a third in Canada.

Asked whether he was surprised by Hamilton's support of Antonelli, within his answer, Wolff also made clear the standing in which he still holds the British driver.

"No, I think champions recognise other champions, and Lewis remains very important to us," said Wolff, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He was a cornerstone of our team and will always be part of the Mercedes family, even though he’s now driving for Ferrari.

"My friendship with Lewis has remained unchanged. We talk often, and I think he understands the challenges Kimi is facing."

Hamilton enduring 'a trait of the greats'

Wolff can also understand what Hamilton is going through at Ferrari, resulting in his comments after qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday that he is "useless" and that the Scuderia should find another driver.

Despite the initial fanfare surrounding his arrival, Hamilton's transition to Ferrari has not run smoothly, and since an initial victory in the sprint in China, the results have not been what he would have expected or wanted.

Whilst team-mate Charles Leclerc has been on the podium five times, Hamilton has yet to claim a top-three position in a grand prix, leaving him sixth in the drivers' standings, 42 points behind the Monégasque.

Assessing the difficulties Hamilton is enduring, Wolff said: "Ferrari is the most prestigious team in the world, and for Lewis, driving for them is a great honour, but also a challenge.

"He puts his heart and soul into everything he does and is very sincere. When he goes through tough times, he takes responsibility. 

"That’s a trait of the greats. When they know they haven’t performed well enough, they don’t blame the team, but look at themselves.

"Once this moment passes, he’ll come back with his usual motivation."