Hamilton's F1 Sharpness Not in Doubt, Wolff Clarifies Exit Comments

Hamilton's F1 Sharpness Not in Doubt, Wolff Clarifies Exit Comments

By Michael Anderson

November 23, 2024 at 05:44 PM

Toto Wolff clarifies that his recent comments about Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes were misinterpreted, emphasizing that Hamilton hasn't lost his winning capability in Formula 1.

Man in racing suit smiling

Man in racing suit smiling

The controversy arose from Wolff's quotes in Mercedes' new book 'Life in the Fast Lane,' where he discussed Hamilton's sudden decision to join Ferrari and mentioned "cognitive sharpness" and "shelf life" in the sport. These comments were made while explaining the team's one-plus-one-year contract strategy.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Wolff clarified: "You know that was taken a little bit out of context. What I was referring to was that all of us age, whether it is in a car, on a pitch, or as a manager or entrepreneur."

The Mercedes team principal maintains that Hamilton, at 39, remains highly competitive when provided with the right car. "We see with Lewis that he's very much there when the car is right. And we haven't been able to give him that car to perform his best, and that is a frustration that we share equally in the team," Wolff explained.

As Mercedes approaches the final triple-header of the season, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the team aims to end their partnership with Hamilton on a high note. Wolff remains committed to delivering strong performances in the remaining races and building momentum for 2025.

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