Lewis Hamilton signed on a move to Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season in hope that the red affirmed him another shot at multiple championships as he pursued his career.
Thus, Toto Wolff has not distanced himself from the speculation as to whether Lewis Hamilton will return to the Mercedes team after his errand with Ferrari is over.
After an astonishing 12 seasons and 14 title triumphs with Mercedes, Formula One’s preeminent duo of racer and team has parted ways as Hamilton steers towards a new chapter with Ferrari from the start of the 2024 season.
The British racing icon, set to commence his Italian journey at 40, aims for another title to add to his storied resume. Signed on a multi-year deal, he is likely entering the final laps of an illustrious career.
Throughout his lengthy tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton forged deep connections, notably with team boss Wolff and his wife, Susie, director of F1 Academy. Despite the switch to a rival camp, Wolff believes their strong bond will persist and even teases a future reunion between Hamilton and Mercedes.
Wolff disclosed: In my view there is not such concept of an end to the relationship Mercedes has with Lewis, or what we as a team have, or I and Susie have. On the contrary. I guess that Lewis has decided to do something else for the last part of his career which I understand – or maybe I can understand.
Wolff also reiterated in recent interviews Hamilton’s significance not only as a racer for Mercedes but also as a team member within the Mercedes-Benz organization, and as a driver in charge of initiatives promoting diversity.
But he is always going to be part of that family and he is always going to be welcome in the family,” he said. “And one day when the driving is done, there are going to be so many things we will do.”
Wolff was unequivocal in endorsing Hamilton’s impact away from the track, most significantly in the fight against a more diverse representation in motor racing – an effort that the team insists will not stop.
Wolff reflected: [Hamilton is] a global sensation and of course, he did contribute to making the Mercedes a little more provocative, a little more modern, opulent. But then [there was] the diversity contribution he made to the team.
We have a large part of our population today from underrepresented groups and it’s going to make us stronger because it’s different culture, different view on things.
‘He made us kneel when we needed to do it ,’… ‘And he helped us to do the car black and it’s going to stay black. If we have to get out of there, we’re not bailing out of there.