I hold no grudge Wolff on Hamilton’s Ferrari move how he was told and the search for a replacement

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton sat down for breakfast in Wolff’s home in Oxford, UK, on Wednesday morning. The meeting had been in the diary for a while, pencilled in as their annual get-together.

Toto Wolff, the Team Principal of Mercedes Formula 1 team, has stated that he holds no grudge against Lewis Hamilton for considering a move to Ferrari. In an interview, Wolff revealed how he was informed about Hamilton's discussions with the Italian team and discussed the team's plans for finding a potential replacement if needed.

Wolff emphasized that he understood Hamilton's desire to explore other opportunities and mentioned that he had always encouraged his drivers to think about their long-term career plans. He acknowledged that Ferrari holds great allure in the motorsport world and that it was only natural for Hamilton to be tempted by such a prestigious team.

According to Wolff, he first learned about Hamilton's potential move to Ferrari through rumors. However, prior to the 2019 Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton approached him to clarify the situation. The two had a candid conversation, where Hamilton expressed his respect for Mercedes and the strong relationship they had built over the years.

Wolff appreciated Hamilton's transparency and respected his decision to explore potential options. He acknowledged that every driver has a right to evaluate their future and make decisions that align with their ambitions. Despite the prospect of losing a driver of Hamilton's caliber, Wolff maintained that he harbored no grudges and understood Hamilton's desire for new challenges.

Regarding Mercedes' approach to finding a replacement, Wolff highlighted the talent pool within the Mercedes driver program. He mentioned that the team had young talents under their guidance, such as George Russell, who had impressed in Formula 2 and was already a part of the Mercedes family.

Wolff also acknowledged the availability of other experienced drivers in the Formula 1 market, but stated that Mercedes would prioritize promoting talent from their own program first. He expressed confidence in their ability to find a strong replacement if Hamilton were to leave the team.

In conclusion, Toto Wolff has shown understanding and support for Lewis Hamilton's interest in exploring a move to Ferrari. He emphasized that no grudges were held and discussed Mercedes' approach to finding a potential replacement if necessary, citing the talent within their driver program as the primary option.

In addition to discussing Hamilton's potential move to Ferrari and the search for a replacement, Toto Wolff also spoke about the strong relationship between him and the six-time world champion. He mentioned that they had always maintained open and honest communication, which allowed them to address matters directly and transparently.

Wolff acknowledged that Hamilton's commitment and dedication to Mercedes had played a significant role in the team's success over the years. He praised Hamilton's exceptional skills both on and off the track, stressing that their partnership had been instrumental in securing numerous victories, championships, and creating a successful team culture.

When it comes to the future, Wolff expressed his desire to continue working with Hamilton for as long as possible, but also acknowledged that things can change in Formula 1. He understands that circumstances may lead to drivers exploring new opportunities, and he believes in supporting their choices, as long as they are made with respect and honesty.

In terms of the ongoing discussions between Hamilton and Ferrari, Wolff clarified that nothing was set in stone and that rumors should be taken with a grain of salt. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the current season and working towards achieving their goals together as a team.

Wolff concluded by highlighting the long and successful partnership between Mercedes and Hamilton, emphasizing that their shared journey had been one of mutual growth and accomplishment. He expressed his admiration for Hamilton's talent and character, reiterating that he holds no grudges and has the utmost respect for his driver's aspirations.

Overall, the comments from Toto Wolff reflect a healthy and understanding approach towards Hamilton's potential move to Ferrari. While acknowledging the allure of the Italian team, Wolff remains committed to nurturing young talent within the Mercedes program and finding a capable replacement if necessary. Regardless of the outcome, the respect and strong bond between Hamilton and Wolff are evident, emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship in Formula 1.