Wolff convinced Hamilton will enjoy smooth transition to Ferrari
10/14/2024 11:51 AM
Toto Wolff has pushed back against suggestions that Lewis Hamilton will struggle to transition from Mercedes to Ferrari next season.
With Hamilton set to leave Mercedes after a 12-year stint to join the Scuderia alongside Charles Leclerc, some have speculated that the seven-time world champion might face challenges adjusting to Ferrari's culture and operations which are vastly different from the Brackley squad's setup.
The House of Maranello, with its rich history and passionate fanbase, is a unique environment, steeped in tradition, yet constantly striving for innovation, where the weight of expectation and the pressure to succeed are immense
Wolff, however, is confident that Hamilton's experience and adaptability will ensure his smooth passage to Formula 1's most successful outfit.
"I think many people say that it's going to be really difficult," commented the Mercedes chief. "But I think if you say it's going to be really difficult, then often it's the opposite.
"Ferrari is a great team, great people, lots of emotion and passion and therefore it's pressure. But I believe they are going to find a way of working with each other."
Hamilton has also made it clear that he's not bothered by the skepticism surrounding his move. He remains fully committed to the decision and confident in his choice.
"There's not been a moment where I've questioned it, and I'm not swayed by other people's comments," said the seven-time world champion.
"Even today, there's people continuing to talk shit, and it will continue on for the rest of the year.
"And I'll have to just do what I did in the previous time. Only you can know what was right for you. And it will be an exciting time for me."
While Hamilton's departure marks the end of an era at Mercedes, Wolff acknowledged the emotional impact induced by the change, but the Austrian is also looking to the future with optimism.
Mercedes has chosen 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton's successor, and Wolff believes the young Italian will bring fresh energy to the team.
"I think we had such a great run with Lewis over the last 12 years," he said. "He's always going to be part of the family.
"But obviously, as a competitor, when we try to beat him next year, Kimi joining George clearly brings momentum with it, plus youth and freshness.
"You can feel the kind of smile that is in your organization with having an 18-year-old in a car."
Wolff concedes that Antonelli will face a steep learning curve but emphasized that it was the right move for Mercedes.
"Having said that, obviously, there will be moments where Lewis's experience would have benefited the team," he said.
"Kimi is going to be on a steep learning curve, but it's absolutely the right thing for the team to do and there's not one person who would have done it differently."
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