Toto Wolff has asserted he will enjoy the memories of his success-filled years with Lewis Hamilton rather than reflect on the difficult final seasons in partnership. Hamilton departed the Mercedes F1 squad at the end of last year and has linked up with Ferrari ahead of a new career chapter. It brought an end to the long-standing relationship between Hamilton and Mercedes which began in 2013. Together, the team won six drivers' championship and eight consecutive constructors' titles. Following the seasons of glory, Mercedes slipped back in the pecking order in 2022 and struggled to recover back to the front of the grid. Despite the seasons hardship, Wolff asserted Hamilton's legacy at Mercedes has not been impacted by the recent on-track results. “You see those very bad races, clearly he wears his heart on the sleeve,” he told media including RacingNews365 . “You express your emotions and that's absolutely allowed. It's OK. “Nothing is going to take away 12 incredible years with eight constructors’ and six drivers’ championships. “That is what will be in the memory. We’re going to look back at this great period of time, rather than a season of races that were particularly bad. We will stay with the good memories.”
Mercedes expected 'bumpy road' after Hamilton decision
Hamilton made the decision to depart Mercedes ahead of the 2024 season. The team has since signed 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli to replace the seven-time world champion. Hamilton was able to take two grand prix wins in his final year for Mercedes - but it was mostly a season of difficultly as the impending exit became entangled with the Briton's struggles behind the wheel. However, Wolff commended the team for being able to navigate the situation sufficiently after learning of the decision early in the year. “To be honest, with all of us together, Lewis and the team, we've done a good job of that [dealing with the split],” he said. “Because when he took the decision at the beginning of the season to go, we knew it could be a bumpy year ahead. “It's very normal. He's knows he’s going to go somewhere else. “We know our future lies with Kimi and then to go through the up and downs and still keep it together between us, I think that is something we have achieved.”
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