Mercedes’ boss Toto Wolff says that the team “tries to reinvent themselves” after Lewis Hamilton’s departure for Ferrari.
After stunning the sports world by announcing its visit to Ferrari last February, Hamilton officially joined the Italian team last month and was tested in their cars of 2023 and 2024 while it is prepared for the opening of the 2025 season in Australia on March 16.
Mercedes replaced Hamilton with Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli 18 as a teammate of George Russell, and Wednesday began to straighten up for the season by organizing a media event to celebrate his new partnership with the German giant of sportswear Adidas.
“It was just for both of us,” said Wolff Sky Sports As he thought about Hamilton’s release after 12 years and six pilot titles with the team.
“I think that when you see Lewis in his first appearances in Ferrari, this photo in front of the house of Enzo Ferrari is emblematic. Lewis with his sense of style, and I told him.
“And at the same time, we embark on a different path, trying to reinvent ourselves with a young driver – in addition to George, who is not mentioned enough. We have a senior and accomplished pilot who won races, and This new kid to come.
“I think it was a refreshment for both of us.”
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Kimi Antonelli admitted that he was “ nervous enough ”, passing his driving test, having passed before he did his debut 1 with Mercedes.
“No hangover from Hamilton’s exit”
Wolff insisted that the collaboration with Adidas proves that Mercedes will not know any commercial “wood” from Hamilton’s exit.
The Briton is a huge world star and transcends motorsport, attracting a level of attention that other drivers cannot match.
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Fans burst into applause and songs while Lewis Hamilton arrives on the track for his first test session with Ferrari.
Wolff says that Antonelli, who was accelerated at F1 in the middle of a huge excitement on his potential, has the ability to connect with a young generation.
Asked about Mercedes’ ability to attract partners without Hamilton, Wolff said: “This does not improve (that Adidas) in terms of emblematic brands in the field of sport.
“This testifies to the confidence that this team has to move forward. When I discussed Lewis Going and Kimi with the CEO, he said:” It’s so exciting. Let’s go the next generation! “”
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Martin Brundle thinks that Ferrari’s driver, Lewis Hamilton, has lost his advantage, but he supports the seven times world champion to win an eighth world pilot championship in 2025.
“And this is what we feel in the team. We have a strong atmosphere with the partners who are with us and that we want to come to the team, so we do not feel any hangover.”
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