In a shocking turn of events that shook the Formula One world, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff received an unexpected phone call earlier this year suggesting that Lewis Hamilton was about to make the monumental switch from Mercedes to Ferrari. The move, confirmed just weeks later, marked a pivotal change in Hamilton’s career trajectory and left Mercedes with some big shoes to fill.
In his recently published book, *Inside Mercedes F1*, Wolff opens up about the unexpected revelation and his reflections on Hamilton’s departure in his conversation on the *High Performance* podcast.
A phone call from Sainz Sr: The first sign of change
Wolff’s story begins with an unusual phone call he received just before the start of the 2024 F1 season, adding an early layer of intrigue to what would be a major surprise.
As Wolff reveals, it was from Carlos Sainz Sr, father of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr, who hinted that a change was on the horizon.
“Old man Sainz called me and said this is going to happen,” Wolff says, describing his surprise. Soon after, he received more unexpected calls from the fathers of various F1 drivers, reinforcing his suspicions that something big was indeed afoot.
While these calls were cryptic, Wolff’s suspicions grew as he pieced together the likelihood of Hamilton’s move.
Sainz Sr.’s early involvement, Wolff later realised, was due to his son Carlos Sainz Jr. having to vacate his Ferrari seat to make way for the seven-time world champion. Sainz Sr had inside knowledge of Ferrari’s intentions and, by calling Wolff, left him with clues that set the stage for the eventual bombshell announcement.
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Confirming the rumour: Wolff contacts Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur
Following these initial indications, Wolff contacted his Ferrari counterpart, team principal Frédéric Vasseur.
“I asked him, ‘Are you going to take our driver?'” Wolff said.
The lack of response from Vasseur, a close friend of Wolff’s, raised further alarms. Vasseur’s silence – unusual for someone Wolff could usually count on for candor – signalled to him that the rumours were probably true.
Confirmation came directly from Hamilton himself, during a casual chat with Wolff over the Christmas period. As they discussed the latest personnel moves and mutual team developments, Hamilton leaned in and said, “Oh, I have to tell you something…”.
At that moment, Wolff’s suspicions were all but confirmed. Hamilton, who had been with Mercedes since 2013, was now looking forward to a new chapter with Ferrari.
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Managing emotions and expectations
For Wolff, the announcement was both personal and professional. He revealed that, despite the enormity of Hamilton’s decision, he chose not to contact the driver immediately after Sainz Sr’s phone call.
Wolff’s instinct, he explained, was to wait and allow Hamilton to approach him first. Reflecting on his calm approach, Wolff said: “I have experienced much worse things in my life, like real drama and trauma. Lewis is a friend and always will be.”
Although the idea of Hamilton’s departure was initially difficult to digest, Wolff maintained perspective, seeing it as a natural progression in both their careers.
“You get the unusual thought that this is the end, but not in any way challenging,” he explained. Rather than seeing Hamilton’s move as a loss, he sees it as an opportunity for both sides to explore new possibilities.
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The next chapter for Mercedes: Turning challenges into opportunities
As Wolff grappled with the announcement, he also focused on the implications of Hamilton’s departure, particularly in terms of Mercedes’ sponsorship and future plans. With Hamilton’s departure bound to affect team dynamics and fan expectations, Wolff quickly found himself pivoting. His focus shifted to finding Hamilton’s replacement and ensuring a seamless transition for the team.
In an interview, Wolff compared his approach to a discussion he once had with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
“What do you do when such and such a player leaves?” Wolff asked Guardiola. The answer was simple but powerful: “If someone thinks he can play better or earn more somewhere else, then you just have to let him go.”
Taking this advice to heart, Wolff decided not to try and persuade Hamilton to stay, but to prepare Mercedes for life after Hamilton.
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The search for Hamilton’s successor
After months of speculation, Wolff and Mercedes finally unveiled the driver who would follow in Hamilton’s footsteps. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a rising star, was announced as George Russell’s new teammate, cementing the team’s future line-up.
While there was much speculation about a possible move for Max Verstappen, it was Antonelli who ultimately won Wolff’s confidence as Hamilton’s successor.
Wolff’s decision to back Antonelli reflects both a calculated approach and a deep-seated belief in the young driver’s potential.
“There is an instinctive reaction, an inner reaction that I have in myself,” said Wolff. “And that was literally: ‘This is Kimi’s chance.'”
In consultation with Mercedes’ senior management, Wolff’s decision was given the green light, marking Antonelli as the new face of Mercedes F1 for the 2025 season and beyond.
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Reflections on Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes
As Mercedes prepare to enter a post-Hamilton era, Wolff reflects on the legacy Hamilton leaves behind. Over twelve years, Hamilton became synonymous with Mercedes, winning six world championships with the team and cementing his place as one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
For Wolff, Hamilton’s contribution to Mercedes goes beyond race wins and podium finishes; he has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and ethos.
The dynamic between Wolff and Hamilton was more than a typical team principal-driver relationship; they shared a mutual respect and camaraderie. Although Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks the end of an era, Wolff has expressed his unwavering support for his former driver’s journey.
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Hamilton’s new challenge at Ferrari: a leap into the unknown
For Hamilton, joining Ferrari brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. A team steeped in history and prestige, Ferrari has not won a championship since 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen. While Mercedes has been known for its reliability and dominance, Ferrari has struggled in recent years, particularly in terms of managing car performance and consistency.
However, Hamilton’s decision suggests a desire to test himself in new conditions and write a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Joining Ferrari offers Hamilton the chance to restore the Scuderia to its former glory and potentially secure an eighth world title – a feat that would make him the most successful driver in F1 history. For both Hamilton and Ferrari, this collaboration marks a bold step forward, and fans around the world are eager to see what Hamilton will bring to Maranello.
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Moving forward: The future of Mercedes F1
While Hamilton’s departure marks the end of a transformative chapter, Mercedes is poised to continue his legacy with a new generation of talent. With George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli taking the reins, Wolff remains optimistic about Mercedes’ future prospects. Antonelli, a driver Wolff sees as a natural fit for the role, brings youthful energy and a fresh perspective to the team.
Wolff’s handling of Hamilton’s departure, marked by grace and respect, reflects his broader philosophy on leadership and change. Seeing transitions as opportunities rather than setbacks, Wolff has positioned Mercedes to build on its past successes while embracing the unknown. And with the 2025 season on the horizon, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely as Mercedes writes the next chapter in its storied history.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari may have taken many by surprise, but for Wolff it’s simply part of the ebb and flow of Formula One. As one chapter ends and another begins, the stage is set for an exciting era in F1, with both Mercedes and Ferrari forging new paths – and a new rivalry taking shape as Hamilton steps into Ferrari red.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Folk too easily forget the pivotal role Hamilton had in developing a championship winning car, something Mercedes did not have until he arrived. Vasseur hasn’t forgotten. Good luck both.