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Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team principal, has clarified the reasons behind Lewis Hamilton not participating in the Abu Dhabi post-season test for Ferrari, ahead of the seven-time world champion's anticipated move to the Scuderia in 2025.
In February, it was officially announced that Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes after more than a decade with the team, making the switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season. However, unlike Carlos Sainz, who has been granted permission to drive for his next team, Williams, during the December test, Hamilton won’t be doing the same with Ferrari.
Wolff's Explanation
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, Wolff discussed the situation, stating that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur did not request to have Hamilton participate in the test. “Fred [Vasseur] didn't ask. I think it's a difference also if you're maybe going to Williams, but we have contractual agreements with sponsors,” Wolff explained.
The Mercedes boss further shared that there are several farewell activities planned for Hamilton, which would coincide with the test. “We’re having a farewell for Lewis. We’re having lots of activities that are planned. And him and I, we spoke about it shortly, and he said, ‘I guess that's not going to work.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I don’t think it’s going to work.’ And that was the whole thing. So I don’t think Fred is particularly sad.”
Vasseur Weighs In
With Vasseur sitting beside Wolff during the press conference, the Ferrari boss gave his perspective, confirming that no request had been made to Wolff for Hamilton’s involvement in the test. “No [I’m not sad]. There is a contract. We have to respect this. It’s not because we are doing something for Carlos that everybody has to do the same. And as Toto said, I didn’t ask Toto,” Vasseur remarked.
Vasseur also elaborated on why Carlos Sainz was granted permission to drive for Williams during the test. He explained that his decision was a gesture of gratitude for Sainz’s professionalism throughout the season. “The story with Carlos is that I want to thank Carlos for the collaboration, and I don’t want to block him or whatever. I think he did a very good job with us this season and a very professional one,” Vasseur said.
He continued, “For me, the best way to thank Carlos was also to give him the opportunity to do the test with Williams.”
Emotional Farewell as Hamilton Prepares for Ferrari
As the 2024 season comes to a close, Wolff also reflected on the emotions surrounding Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi. He expressed that while the team was still focused on the season’s events, the end of Hamilton's partnership with Mercedes would likely feel emotional.
“I think we're still running the season, so the weekends feel like they felt before, These meetings where long-term development is being discussed, they don’t happen so regularly and we didn’t have them for the last few months. So it’s pretty much standard as it is. There is no overwhelming emotion now that this is ending, but I’m sure the closer it’s going to come to Abu Dhabi and the last sessions, the last race together will be quite a thing because we had this wonderful partnership for such a long time," Wolff said.
Despite the end of this era, Wolff stressed that Hamilton would not disappear from the grid. “Lewis is going to be on the grid next year with a Ferrari. We are not losing the person, we are just losing the driver. But we embark on a new future,” he said, adding that Mercedes would be moving forward with young talents, including an 18-year-old and a 27-year-old driver.
Looking Ahead
Wolff concluded by offering his best wishes to Hamilton for his future with Ferrari, even joking about the prospect of a slower car. “Personally, we wish Lewis all the best and happiness, and maybe a car that’s not so fast! But nevertheless, it is a decision he took, and we’re okay with that,” he said.
As the 2024 season nears its end, both Mercedes and Hamilton prepare for an emotional farewell, while looking ahead to a new chapter in their respective journeys.
