Toto Wolff takes subtle jibe at Lewis Hamilton, claims Mercedes’ long-term Championship wins ‘no longer matter’ for him

With the news of Hamilton leaving Mercedes in favour of Ferrari, it is believed that a sour taste has been left in the mouths of the Mercedes camp especially the team boss

Toto Wolff takes subtle jibe at Lewis Hamilton, claims Mercedes’ long-term Championship wins ‘no longer matter’ for him

Toto Wolff (L) and Lewis Hamilton (R) (Via: IMAGO)

It has almost been a week since the news of Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari was broken. The move is regarded as the biggest transfer ever in the history of F1 as it combines the most successful driver with the most successful team in F1. However, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has taken a dig at Hamilton for leaving their successful alliance behind.

Hamilton had joined the Brackley-based squad in 2013 after ditching McLaren to drive for the Silver Arrows. It is considered the best move ever made in F1 as Hamilton won six World Championships and secured 82 wins with the team. While talking about the move, Wolf pointed out that Hamilton failed to see energy in the team to succeed in the upcoming years.

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Wolff said that it was no longer a matter of concern for Hamilton to build a team that can fight for championships again, and he is not looking towards a “long-term perspective”. It is believed that the Austrian is unhappy to lose Hamilton to their Italian colleagues, and he is now faced with the challenge of replacing Hamilton from the 2025 season onwards.

What was perhaps not so visible to him was the energy that is in the team, the drive to do things better. If we look back in 10 or 20 years, we will have many more world championships. But of course, that’s a long-term perspective, and that no longer matters for Lewis[Hamilton].
Toto Wolff said, as reported by silverarrows.net

How was Ferrari able to poach Lewis Hamilton?

Ferrari has had a strong driver line-up since the 2021 season in the form of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Leclerc is considered the golden boy of Ferrari, and Sainz has been a solid addition to the team with his consistent performances.

Frédéric Vasseur & Lewis Hamilton (Image via Crash.net)
Frédéric Vasseur & Lewis Hamilton (Image via Crash.net)

It was not anticipated that the driver pairing would change at the Scuderia, considering the success they have had in the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Fred Vasseur had other plans in his mind, he had talks with the Briton and convinced him to join the Italian squad, with the help of the Ferrari president.

It is reported that along with a record sum of money, Hamilton was also promised a longer contract than what Mercedes was offering, so he decided to join the Italian constructor. From the 2025 season onwards, Hamilton would be seen repping the red outfit, and once fierce competitors would be now one team.

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