Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the staff are “trying to reinvent” themselves following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.
After gorgeous the sporting world by asserting his change to Ferrari final February, Hamilton lastly formally joined the Italian staff final month and has been testing of their automobiles from 2023 and 2024 as he prepares for the 2025 season opener in Australia on March 16.
Mercedes have changed Hamilton with 18-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli as George Russell’s team-mate, and on Wednesday started ramping up for the season by holding a media occasion to have fun their new partnership with German sportswear big Adidas.
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Mercedes Group Principal Toto Wolff admits that seeing the ‘iconic’ footage of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari crimson after their ‘amicable divorce’ is like seeing ‘your previous accomplice for the primary time with a brand new pal’.
“It was right for both of us,” Wolff informed Sky Sports activities as he mirrored on Hamilton’s exit after 12 years and 6 drivers’ titles with the staff.
“I believe whenever you see Lewis in his first appearances at Ferrari, this image in entrance of Enzo Ferrari’s home, it is iconic. Lewis along with his sense of favor, and I’ve informed him.
“And on the identical time, us embarking on a distinct route, attempting to reinvent ourselves with a younger driver – along with George, who is not talked about sufficient. Now we have a senior, achieved driver that has gained races, and this new child arising.
“I think it was a refresh for both of us.”
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Kimi Antonelli admitted he was ‘fairly nervous’ taking his driving check, having handed it earlier than he makes his Formulation 1 debut with Mercedes.
‘No hangover from Hamilton exit’
Wolff insisted that the collaboration with Adidas is proof that Mercedes won’t expertise any industrial “hangover” from Hamilton’s exit.
The Brit is a big international star and transcends motorsport, drawing a stage of consideration that different drivers cannot match.
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Followers erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives on the observe for his first check session with Ferrari.
Wolff says that Antonelli, who has been fast-tracked to F1 amid big pleasure over his potential, has the power to attach with a youthful era.
Requested about Mercedes’s capacity to draw companions with out Hamilton, Wolff mentioned: “It doesn’t get much better (than Adidas) in terms of iconic brands in the field of sport.
“It is testomony to the belief that this staff has going ahead. Once I mentioned Lewis going and Kimi coming with the CEO, he mentioned ‘That is so thrilling. Let’s go on the following era!’
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Martin Brundle believes Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has misplaced his edge however he backs the seven-time World Champion to win a document eighth World Drivers’ Championship in 2025.
“And this is how we feel in the team. We have a strong vibe with the partners that are with us and want to come to the team, so we don’t feel any hangover.”
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 Formulation 1 season stay on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
