Toto Wolff pinpoints ‘shelf-life’ factor in not giving Lewis Hamilton long-term deal before Ferrari move

With Lewis Hamilton soon turning 40, Toto Wolff explained why he had initially not given the Brit a long-term contract at Mercedes.

Toto Wolff pinpoints ‘shelf-life’ factor in not giving Lewis Hamilton long-term deal before Ferrari move

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton is statistically the greatest driver of all time in F1. Moreover, he has amassed 84 of his 105 wins and six of his seven world titles with Mercedes. Owing to his massive achievements, people anticipated that team supremo Toto Wolff would have given him a long-term contract, but the Austrian made a shelf-life remark to athletes’ performance. This may have given Hamilton the reason for his switch to Ferrari from 2025 onwards.

Mercedes had their two drivers sealed out till the end of the 2025 season. This helped Toto Wolff and stakeholders within the German marque stay relaxed as a sense of tranquility dawned on the Brackley base. However, in 2023, during Lewis Hamilton’s contract renewal, the Brit was only provided with a one-plus-one-year deal. This presumably gave the seven-time champion an indication that Mercedes may be not willing to extend his contract beyond the 2025 season owing to his advanced age.

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Subsequently, Toto Wolff explained this and claimed that as a team principal, he has to look at the shelf life of drivers to ensure that he has a driver pair that would excel in any condition.

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There’s a reason why we only signed a one-plus-one-year contract. We’re in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life. So I need to look at the next generation.

Toto Wolff said on the High Performance Podcast

On the other hand, Hamilton’s short length of contract would have played a key role in his signing for Ferrari. The 39-year-old is expected to have a long-term contract with the Maranello-based outfit with loads of monetary benefits alongside joining a list of drivers who have driven for the Italian powerhouse.

Toto Wolff does not have any remorse toward Lewis Hamilton

As understood by his statements, Wolff has a logical approach to running an F1 team. Subsequently, with the Englishman set to leave Mercedes after the conclusion of the season, the 52-year-old admitted that he has no grudges against Hamilton.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff (via racefans.net)
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff (via racefans.net)

Wolff claimed that he is thick-skinned and Hamilton’s farewell from Brackley does not force him to hold an ill will against the seven-time champion.

This was a business decision. We’ve enjoyed such a successful journey together, and now we have our own objectives. This didn’t even move the needle for me. I’m thick-skinned, you know? I’ve had some pretty tough moments in my life, and this doesn’t compare.

Toto Wolff said on the High Performance Podcast

Apart from this, only three races (and one Sprint) remain before Hamilton leaves the German marque behind and goes on for his next venture in Maranello. Thus, a new chapter in Hamilton’s life awaits in Italy in the next few months.