Toto Wolff shares relief over 'dreaded' Lewis Hamilton conversation

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted Lewis Hamilton's decision to leave the team stopped “very difficult” conversations from occurring between the two. Prior to the 2024 F1 campaign, Hamilton announced it would be his last for Mercedes ahead of a switch to Ferrari this year. Hamilton had endured a difficult two seasons with Mercedes in 2022 and 2023 respectively as the Brackley-based squad slipped back in the pecking order. With Hamilton's age also a factor for Mercedes to consider, it was speculated whether Mercedes would be willing to commit to Hamilton long-term. However, all negotiation processes were eliminated when Hamilton opted to make a career change and strike a fresh partnership with Ferrari. When asked if Hamilton’s decision to leave removed the scenario of having difficult talks over their future relationship, Wolff told select media including RacingNews365 : “Yeah, very difficult [conversations]. “That would have been a scenario that, for me, from a personal perspective and as Mercedes, [it] would have been something that we would have dreaded.” Hamilton has not enjoyed a positive opening campaign with Ferrari and is still awaiting his first trip to the podium in red. The seven-time champion has noted on various occasions about lacking confidence in the car, but is hopeful the regulation reset in 2026 will put him in a strong spot to compete. Although Hamilton is enduring a painful period behind the wheel, Wolff is not feeling sorry for the 40-year-old. “No one should ever feel sorry for Lewis Hamilton,” Wolff said. “He's a monster of a driver.”