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Topics: Mercedes, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Formula 1, Charles Leclerc
Tom Jenkins
Topics: Mercedes, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Formula 1, Charles Leclerc
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed the 'unusual reply' he received from Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur following the news of Lewis Hamilton's switch to Maranello.
Hamilton has just three races left for the Silver Arrows after 11 years at the team which have seen him pick up six of his seven F1 world titles.
The 39-year-old's last three years in the sport have seen his fortunes turn significantly due to Mercedes' lack of performance paired with Hamilton's young gun teammate George Russell.
Hamilton currently sits seventh in the championship after being overtaken by Russell following the Sao Paolo Grand Prix where Hamilton described the car as "The worst the car’s ever been."
It was always going to be an unusual season for Hamilton given the fact his shock move to Ferrari was announced before the first race of 2024.
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The move sent shock waves through the paddock, and in an appearance on the High Performance Podcast Toto Wolff has revealed how he found out the news.
Wolff explained that he was tipped off by Carlos Sainz Snr (father of Carlos Sainz) two weeks before the news to explain the situation.
“The old man Sainz called me and said this is what’s happening. Then there were a few drivers that rang me up that didn’t before," Wolff said
Wolff then sought confirmation of the shocking transfer through his old friend and Ferrari boss, Vasseur, however the Frenchman completely aired the message.
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“[I] sent a text to Fred Vasseur saying ‘you’re taking our driver?’ “I didn’t get any response, very unusual for Fred. He’s a good friend," Wolff explained.
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Whilst leaving Mercedes must feel like Christmas for Hamilton right now given his fortunes in 2024, facing off against Charles Leclerc next year is going to be no walk in the park.
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Leclerc is 12 years Hamilton's junior and is widely regarded as the best qualifier on the grid, something Hamilton has struggled with in the past three seasons against Russell.
The major positive for Hamilton is Ferrari's performance in the constructors, with the Italian team winning five races this season and sitting second to McLaren in the constructors championship.
Ferrari are expected to be fighting for the 2025 championship so it's highly likely Hamilton's move will benefit him in terms of car, but if he can beat his teammate is another story.