Toto Wolff reveals details of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari – Lewis Hamilton’s shock decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari last winter set the F1 world alight and marked a dramatic change in the sport’s landscape. But Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was not completely blindsided.
He received subtle warnings weeks before the revelation, including an unexpected phone call that foreshadowed the record-breaking world champion’s imminent departure.
In an interview with the ‘High Performance Podcast’, Wolff gave an insight into how he managed this unexpected change, revealing the tense anticipation leading up to Hamilton’s final decision and the poignant advice he received from football manager Pep Guardiola on dealing with the departure of top talent.
“Alarm bells” and a crucial warning from Carlos Sainz Sr.
The catalyst for Wolff’s suspicions came from an unexpected source: Carlos Sainz Sr, the father of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, whose own position at Ferrari would be affected by Hamilton’s arrival. According to Wolff, Sainz Sr. got in touch and hinted that a significant change involving Hamilton was on the horizon.
“The alarm bells started ringing for me two weeks ago,” said Wolff.
“Old man Sainz called me and said this is what’s going to happen…”
This early warning was soon followed by other signals as Wolff received calls from other drivers’ fathers – a rarity in his profession.
“A couple of drivers’ fathers called me who don’t usually do that,” Wolff noted.
“So I thought, OK, something is going on here.” These unusual conversations further confirmed that Hamilton’s move might be more than just a rumour.
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Wolff contacts Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur
As suspicions grew, Wolff sought confirmation from Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal and a long-time friend.
Recalling the conversation, Wolff explained, “I then sent a message to Fred Vasseur saying: ‘You’re taking our driver? ”
But Vasseur’s silence was telling. Known for his straightforward communication style, Vasseur’s uncharacteristic lack of response added to Wolff’s suspicions. “There was no answer, very unusual for Fred. He is a good friend,” explained Wolff. “So yes, I saw it coming.”
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The decisive meeting: Wolff and Hamilton face to face
Despite the mounting evidence, it wasn’t until the end of January that Hamilton confirmed his decision to Wolff in a face-to-face meeting. The two had spent countless hours in discussion over the years, and at first this conversation felt like any other.
Wolff recalled: “When Lewis came to my house, as he has done so many times over the years, we started with a bit of small talk about how the Christmas holidays were and things like that.”
But as they moved on from small talk, Hamilton broke the news with a sense of finality. “Lewis said, ‘Oh, there’s something I need to tell you,'” Wolff explained. “At first it was a bit like… so this is really happening?”
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Staying calm amidst the storm
Despite the news marking a profound change, Wolff remained calm, framing Hamilton’s departure as part of the natural ebb and flow of the sport.
“Much worse things have happened in my life, real drama and trauma,” Wolff admitted. He has experienced similar situations in his role as team principal, most notably Nico Rosberg’s sudden retirement following his championship-winning season in 2016.
Wolff explained that his reaction to Hamilton’s departure was pragmatic rather than emotional.
“It’s simply a new situation with risks and opportunities,” he said. “Risks in terms of how do I inform the sponsors as quickly as possible? Because word has already got out. And on the other hand, of course, what are we going to do next year?”
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Learning from the past: Wolff’s conversation with Pep Guardiola
For Wolff, the departure of a star driver like Hamilton requires wisdom and acceptance. He draws this philosophy from a revealing conversation with football manager Pep Guardiola, known for his successes with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Years ago, the pair were discussing how to deal with the departure of key players.
Wolff recalled: “I had a conversation with Pep Guardiola a long time ago, he’s a friend. I said, ‘What do you do when this or that player leaves? And he said: ‘What do you think I do?’ I said: ‘Well, do you try to persuade them to stay?’ He said: ‘No, if someone thinks they can play better or earn more somewhere else, then you have to let them go.”
This advice resonated deeply with Wolff, particularly when faced with Hamilton’s decision.
“If someone wants to leave, let’s make it as good as possible for both parties,” Wolff reflected. This principle guided his response to Hamilton’s decision, and he acknowledged that the British driver felt his journey with Ferrari was a necessary next step in his career.
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Reflecting on Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes
Hamilton’s departure marks the end of a legendary era at Mercedes. Since joining the team in 2013, Hamilton has won six world championships with Mercedes, setting records and establishing himself as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. As Wolff acknowledged, this success story will undoubtedly remain a highlight of both their careers.
While respecting Hamilton’s desire to move on, Wolff remains focused on the future, aware that Mercedes are at a pivotal moment as they prepare for a new era without their star driver. The task ahead includes selecting a successor who can not only live up to Hamilton’s legacy, but also forge a new identity for the team.
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The road ahead: Mercedes and the challenge of reinvention
The final races of the season will be a bittersweet farewell to Hamilton’s Mercedes career for both fans and the team. But Wolff is already looking ahead, intent on building a strong line-up for the seasons to come. He hinted at the importance of making a quick, strategic decision regarding Hamilton’s replacement, understanding the challenges of maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
For now, as the 2024 season draws to a close, Mercedes face the monumental task of filling the void left by Hamilton. Wolff’s commitment to excellence and his vision for the team’s future remain steadfast, fuelled by a pragmatic approach that balances ambition with the wisdom of experience.
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