Toto Wolff has said Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit was “right for both of us” as the team principal looked ahead to the 2025 F1 season.
After 12 years and six world titles together, Hamilton and Mercedes parted ways at the end of last season with the British driver sealing a blockbuster move to Ferrari for 2025 and beyond.
The highly rated 18-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli has replaced Hamilton, with George Russell set to be the No 1 driver in his fourth season with the team.
Speaking after Mercedes signed a long-term apparel deal with Adidas, Wolff admitted the team is now “embarking on a different route” without Hamilton, but has his eye on a strong season.
“It was right for both of us,” Wolff said, when asked about Hamilton’s exit to Ferrari.
“When you see Lewis in his first appearances in Ferrari, this picture in front of the Enzo Ferrari house is iconic! Lewis with his sense of style.
“At the same time, us [Mercedes] embarking on a different route, trying to reinvent ourselves with a young driver in addition to George.
“He’s not mentioned enough, we have a senior, accomplished driver who won races, and this new kid coming up.
“Lewis doing something on his own, something new. I think it was a refresh for both of us.”
Russell won two F1 races last year, in Austria and Las Vegas, and finished ahead of Hamilton in the championship standings. Antonelli, meanwhile, finished sixth in his rookie F2 season.
Mercedes officially launch their 2025 car on Monday 24 February, though they will unveil their livery at the 10-team season launch event at The O2 Arena in London on Tuesday.
The 2025 F1 season starts on 16 March in Australia.
