The news of Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes in 2025 to join Ferrari has prompted Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to acknowledge the potential negative financial implications for the team. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has seen the Italian team’s value increase significantly by £5.5 billion, fueled by the Brit’s global fame and legendary status in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of a successful 12-year partnership, during which he secured six of his seven world titles and the majority of his 103 Grand Prix victories. As Mercedes prepares for life without Hamilton, they are yet to announce his successor, but Wolff acknowledges the commercial value that Hamilton brought to the team.
In an interview with CNBC, Wolff emphasized that Hamilton represents much more than just a racing driver and described him as a global phenomenon. He admitted that Mercedes would miss out financially after 2024 due to Hamilton’s departure, highlighting the loss of his significant commercial value.
However, Wolff reiterated Mercedes’ commitment to maintaining their own identity in Formula 1 and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to continue their success in the future. While Hamilton’s exit marks the end of an era for Mercedes, Wolff emphasized the importance of reflecting on the team’s achievements with warmth and pride.
As Mercedes considers their options for Hamilton’s successor, Wolff has not committed to pursuing another high-profile driver with commercial value or a younger talent to partner George Russell. The team faces important decisions amid speculation surrounding Hamilton’s replacement, with pre-season testing in Bahrain approaching later this month.
