Toto Wolff Declares Lewis Hamilton’s Didn’t ‘Lose’ His Talent with Ferrari Switch

Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1. It is thus no surprise that expectations were high when the F1 star decided to join Scuderia Ferrari this year. Unfortunately, the reality has been starkly different. The seven-time world champion is struggling to perform for the Scuderia. However, Hamilton’s former team boss Toto Wolff insists that the Briton has not forgotten how to drive.

The seven-time world champion hoped to be fighting for the championship this year, considering Ferrari finished second in the standings in 2024. However, Lewis Hamilton has failed to adjust to his new environment, with even issues relating to the car switches. The 40-year-old has only managed to win a sprint race in China, without any podiums to his name. Hamilton has even admitted that there are lots of changes needed within Maranello.

Ferrari is infamous for its unique work culture in Formula 1. Hamilton’s former teammate and arch-rival Nico Rosberg reckoned that the Italy connection might be posing a challenge for the Briton.

Toto Wolff asserted that just changing a team does not make someone like Lewis Hamilton lose his talent in Formula 1. Rather, the Austrian billionaire cited the need for a transition period during which the seven-time world champion could get accustomed to the different DNA and structure at Maranello. After all, Hamilton had stayed at Mercedes for over a decade. Even before that, the 40-year-old was with McLaren for a long time. Wolff reckoned that it was not easy for a British driver to perform right away in a team famous for its Italian heritage.

Changing teams, you don’t suddenly lose your qualities. Everyone needs a period of adaptation, there is a different machine and a different DNA for driving the machine, a new team of engineers to start working with. Then it’s a completely Italian team and he’s an Englishman parachuted there.

Toto Wolff said on Hot Pursuit podcast

Toto Wolff still misses Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff are one of the most successful pairings in Formula 1. The duo led Mercedes to incredible success in the Turbo Hybrid era. Hamilton went on to win six drivers’ titles while the Silver Arrows bagged eight constructors’ championships. Hamilton and Wolff shared one of the strongest bonds in the paddock. Thus, it was devastating for the Mercedes boss to see his star driver join a rival team this year.