Toto Wolff has revealed that the timing of Lewis Hamilton’s departure announcement put Mercedes in a difficult position, stopping them from attempting to sign Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc, both of whom had committed to new terms just a couple of weeks prior.
With Norris and Leclerc off the table and Max Verstappen unwilling to leave Red Bull for a struggling Mercedes team, Wolff found himself in a difficult position when it came to naming Hamilton’s successor.
Fernando Alonso was reportedly contacted, but those advances were rebuffed by the Spaniard who instead opted to commit long-term to Aston Martin. Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz were also touted as options, but nothing materialised.
In Mercedes’ new book, Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane, Wolff reveals how Hamilton’s timing scuppered his plans. “I had it on my radar Lewis would go. I couldn’t understand why he’d change to another team before we knew if we were going to be competitive.
“It also didn’t give me time to react. I possibly missed out on negotiating with other drivers who signed deals a few weeks earlier, like Leclerc and Norris. But do I take that personally? This was just a business decision.
“We’ve enjoyed such a successful journey together, now we have our own objectives. This didn’t even move the needle for me. I’m thick-skinned. I’ve had some pretty tough moments in my life and this doesn’t compare.”
Offering an insight into the meeting at Wolff’s home in Oxford, Hamilton explained: “It was the hardest meeting I’ve ever had. I needed to do it in person because that’s what integrity is all about.
“But I knew it would be difficult. Ultimately, as humans, we’re hurt when things end. But I also know that our friendship goes beyond business. That’s how I view it and I hope Toto does, too.”
With Hamilton out of the picture and some of F1’s biggest stars unavailable, Wolff made the bold decision to promote 18-year-old academy sensation Kimi Antonelli, who has recorded two wins during a mixed Formula Two rookie campaign.
The Bologna-born teenager has been the crown jewel in the Mercedes academy since his early karting days and has long been talked about as a potential future star, with titles in the Italian F4 and Formula Regional European Championship only fuelling the hype and anticipation. He will partner with George Russell next season.