Toto Wolff Takes Aim at Lewis Hamilton Amid Mercedes Driver Search
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff hasn’t minced his words regarding Lewis Hamilton’s departure announcement, expressing frustration over the pressure it’s placed on the team to find a new driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari caught Wolff off guard, leaving Mercedes scrambling to secure a replacement.
While attending the opening Grand Prix weekend in Bahrain, Wolff made it clear that he wouldn’t be rushed into a decision, emphasizing that he’s been pushed into a corner by Hamilton’s unexpected move. Despite the urgency to find a successor, Wolff remains composed, stating, “I’ll just stand around and kind of take it easy and evaluate the market.”
The performance of the Mercedes team in Bahrain has only heightened the importance of making the right recruitment choice. Lagging behind frontrunners Red Bull, Mercedes’ drivers George Russell and Hamilton struggled to keep pace, finishing fifth and seventh, respectively.
Hamilton, who has been with Mercedes since 2013, expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, despite feeling physically fit and prepared for the season. The prospect of a triumphant farewell for the British racing icon at Mercedes now seems uncertain, given the team’s current struggles.
Among the potential candidates to replace Hamilton is 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a member of Mercedes’ junior development program. However, his underwhelming performance in the opening Formula 2 race has raised doubts, with Wolff admitting to possibly hyping him up too much in the past.
Additionally, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Sergio Perez are also being considered for the Mercedes seat, with Hamilton’s move impacting their future plans as well.
As Mercedes navigates the uncertain waters of driver recruitment, Wolff’s comments underscore the challenges the team faces in maintaining its competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of Formula 1.
