Wolff lauds Hamilton as Ferrari switch nears
As the final races of the Formula 1 season approach, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton continue their business as usual, but the anticipation of the Briton's imminent move to Ferrari is starting to stir emotions. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged on Thursday that the reality of Hamilton's departure is beginning to set in.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has not requested an early release for the seven-time F1 champion, and Wolff has assured that Hamilton will receive a deserved send-off after 11 illustrious years with Mercedes.
"There is no overwhelming emotion now that this is ending... [but] the last race together will be quite a thing because we had this wonderful partnership for such a long time," Wolff remarked following the first practice for Saturday's Las Vegas Grand Prix. "But having said that, Lewis is not going to disappear. Lewis is going to be on the grid next year with a Ferrari. We are not losing the person, we are just losing the driver. But we embark on a new future."
This season has been challenging for Hamilton, who at 39 has faced numerous difficulties. After a disappointing 10th-place finish in Sao Paulo earlier this month, he admitted feeling the urge to leave Mercedes prematurely, citing the race as "a disaster of a weekend" and the car's performance as the worst he had ever experienced.
Wolff's comments about Hamilton in a recently published book have also raised eyebrows. He was quoted as saying "everyone has a shelf life," which was interpreted by some as a suggestion that Hamilton's time at Mercedes was nearing an end. However, Wolff clarified on Thursday that those quotes were taken out of context and that they had already addressed any misunderstandings.
"One rule that we've established very early in our relationship is that we talk immediately and say: 'Why did you say that?' or 'What did you mean?' and that is what we have done," Wolff explained.
Despite the challenging season, Wolff reiterated his high regard for Hamilton, maintaining that he considers him the greatest driver of all time.
"If we are able to give him a quick car he's going to be able to win, he's able to fight for a championship, but we have failed in doing so," Wolff admitted.
Hamilton demonstrated his continued prowess by setting the fastest times in both practice sessions in Las Vegas on Thursday. He aims to maintain that momentum in Friday's final practice and qualifying sessions.
As Hamilton prepares for his next chapter with Ferrari, the final races with Mercedes will no doubt be loaded with emotion, closing a significant chapter in F1 history while opening a new one.
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