Lewis's departure was not caused by Toto Wolff, but by Stuttgart.

Lewis's departure was not caused by Toto Wolff, but by Stuttgart. Toto Wolff would have prepared a concrete two-year contract, but it seems that the clauses for a shorter duration came from Stuttgart, Daimler. The clause could be activated by Lewis or the team. Three-Pointed Star leaders only feared that Hamilton could retire at the end of 2024.

It is indeed true that Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes was not solely caused by Toto Wolff. While Wolff had reportedly prepared a two-year contract for Hamilton, it's believed that the clauses for a shorter duration came from the Stuttgart headquarters of Mercedes' parent company, Daimler.

The specific clause in question would allow Hamilton or the team to activate it, giving them the option to terminate the contract earlier than the initially agreed-upon period. It appears that the Mercedes leadership, represented by the Three-Pointed Star, had concerns about Hamilton potentially retiring at the end of the 2024 season.

These concerns might stem from various factors, such as Hamilton's age, his future plans, or the desire to better plan for the team's long-term future. By including the clause, both Hamilton and Mercedes had the flexibility to reassess their partnership and make decisions accordingly.

While Toto Wolff played a significant role in negotiations and the preparation of the contract, the involvement of the Stuttgart-based Daimler executives implies that the decision to include such a clause was driven by higher-level considerations within the company.

Further details surrounding Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes suggest that the inclusion of the clause allowing for a shorter contract duration was primarily driven by the concerns and considerations of Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz.

As Mercedes has been an incredibly successful and dominant force in Formula 1 in recent years, it is natural for the company's leadership to plan for the future and anticipate potential changes. Hamilton has been an integral part of Mercedes' success, helping the team secure numerous championships and breaking numerous records along the way. However, with Hamilton now in his mid-30s, thoughts of retirement or a potential career shift may have arisen.

By inserting the contractual clause allowing for an early termination, Daimler aimed to address the possibility of a Hamilton departure after the initial two years of the contract. It provided flexibility for both the driver and the team to reassess their situation, take stock of their performance, and evaluate their long-term goals.

While Toto Wolff has been a key figure in negotiating with Hamilton and managing the Mercedes Formula 1 team, it is important to note that he is not the sole decision-maker in matters concerning contracts and strategic decisions. The involvement of Daimler executives underscores their role in shaping the team's direction and aligning it with the broader objectives of the company.

Ultimately, the inclusion of the clause highlights the cautious approach taken by Mercedes towards planning for the future, ensuring that the team remains strong even in the event of potential changes in driver lineups. It also acknowledges the significance of Hamilton's career plans and his potential desire for a new chapter beyond Formula 1.