Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the team are “trying to reinvent” themselves following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.
After stunning the sporting world by announcing his switch to Ferrari last February, Hamilton finally officially joined the Italian team last month and has been testing in their cars from 2023 and 2024 as he prepares for the 2025 season opener in Australia on March 16.
Mercedes have replaced Hamilton with 18-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli as George Russell’s team-mate, and on Wednesday began ramping up for the season by holding a media event to celebrate their new partnership with German sportswear giant Adidas.
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Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff admits that seeing the ‘iconic’ pictures of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red after their ‘amicable divorce’ is like seeing ‘your old partner for the first time with a new friend’.
“It was right for both of us,” Wolff told Sky Sports as he reflected on Hamilton’s exit after 12 years and six drivers’ titles with the team.
“I think when you see Lewis in his first appearances at Ferrari, this picture in front of Enzo Ferrari’s house, it’s iconic. Lewis with his sense of style, and I’ve told him.
“And at the same time, us embarking on a different route, trying to reinvent ourselves with a young driver – in addition to George, who isn’t mentioned enough. We have a senior, accomplished driver that has won races, and this new kid coming up.
“I think it was a refresh for both of us.”
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Kimi Antonelli admitted he was ‘pretty nervous’ taking his driving test, having passed it before he makes his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes.
‘No hangover from Hamilton exit’
Wolff insisted that the collaboration with Adidas is evidence that Mercedes will not experience any commercial “hangover” from Hamilton’s exit.
The Brit is a huge global star and transcends motorsport, drawing a level of attention that other drivers can’t match.
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Fans erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives at the track for his first test session with Ferrari.
Wolff says that Antonelli, who has been fast-tracked to F1 amid huge excitement over his potential, has the ability to connect with a younger generation.
Asked about Mercedes’s ability to attract partners without Hamilton, Wolff said: “It doesn’t get much better (than Adidas) in terms of iconic brands in the field of sport.
“It’s testament to the trust that this team has going forward. When I discussed Lewis going and Kimi coming with the CEO, he said ‘This is so exciting. Let’s go on the next generation!’
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Martin Brundle believes Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has lost his edge but he backs the seven-time World Champion to win a record 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.”
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