Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that he was tipped off about Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move by none other than Carlos Sainz Sr.
This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to what is already one of the most significant transitions in Formula 1 history, as the seven-time world champion prepares to leave Mercedes after a remarkable 12-year tenure.
The announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move effective from the 2025 season has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, marking the end of an era characterized by unprecedented success.
Toto Wolff disclosed that he received the crucial information about Hamilton’s negotiations with Ferrari two weeks before the British driver officially informed him during a routine meeting.
In this meeting, Hamilton activated an escape clause in his contract with Mercedes, signaling his desire to join the iconic Italian team. Wolff expressed that while he was surprised by the timing of the announcement, he had sensed that something was brewing long before their conversation.
The tip-off from Carlos Sainz Sr. played a pivotal role in preparing Wolff for this significant change.
“So I heard the bells ringing two weeks before,” Wolff said on the High Performance podcast. “The old man Sainz called me and said, this is what’s happening.
“Then there were a few drivers’ dads rang me up that didn’t before. So I thought, Okay…there’s something going on there.
“And then I sent a text to [Ferrari boss] Fred Vasseur saying: ‘You’re taking our driver?’ Didn’t get any response. Very unusual for Fred. He’s a good friend. So yeah, I saw it coming.”
Hamilton’s decision to leave comes at a time when both he and the team have faced challenges. The 2024 season has been particularly tough for the Mercedes driver, who currently sits seventh in the championship standings, struggling with performance issues and competition from his younger teammate George Russell.
Despite the struggles, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move is seen as an opportunity for revitalization and a chance to compete for an eighth world title with a team that has historically been one of the sport’s most successful.
READ ALSO: Frustrated Lewis Hamilton can’t wait to end 2024 F1 season as Mercedes exit nears
Wolff’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to Hamilton’s departure. He noted that while losing such an iconic driver is undoubtedly challenging, it also alleviates the pressure of potentially having to make the difficult decision of parting ways with him later on.
The relationship between Wolff and Hamilton has been one of mutual respect and collaboration over the years. Their partnership has yielded six drivers’ championships and eight constructors’ titles for Mercedes, making it one of the most successful collaborations in Formula 1 history.
However, as Wolff pointed out, change is inevitable in any sport, and adapting to new situations is part of the game.
“Well, I had much worse in my life, happening, like real drama and trauma,” he added. “This is not even moving the needle.”
“It’s just a new situation. It has risks and opportunities, risks in the sense of how do I inform the sponsors as quickly as possible? Because it was leaking… And on the other side, what are we doing about next year?
“I think if someone decides to go, then you need to let them go. I had a chat with Pep Guardiola a long time ago, and he is a friend.
“I said, ‘What do you do if this and that player leaves?’ And he said, ‘What do you mean I do?’ I said, ‘Well, do you try to convince them to stay?’
“He said: ‘No, if somebody thinks he can play elsewhere better or earns more – you have just got to let them go.
“And it is something that I embrace in the same way here. Somebody wants to go – then let’s make it as good as possible for each of the parties.”
In light of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move, Wolff was now tasked with finding a suitable replacement who can uphold Mercedes’ competitive legacy. He mentioned that he had already initiated discussions regarding potential candidates even before the announcement became public.
The successor turned out to be Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a promising young talent from Italy who represents the next generation of drivers.
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz Jr., who has performed admirably for Ferrari over the past few seasons, will be moving on to Williams as part of the reshuffling.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari: A new era or a risky gamble?
