Toto Wolff reveals F1 'punch in the nose' after Lewis Hamilton swoop

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari rumours — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Wolff reveals F1 'punch in the nose' after Hamilton swoop

Toto Wolff revels in the battling nature of F1 and relationship with Ferrari boss Vasseur

Originally written by Shay Rogers. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 7 February 2024 18:57

Toto Wolff has opened up on the tough nature of Formula 1 after Lewis Hamilton's shock move to Ferrari.

The Brit signed a deal to move to Fred Vasseur's Ferrari team just months after signing a new two-year deal at Mercedes, thanks to a break clause in the Silver Arrows deal.

While most of the paddock were convinced that Hamilton would retire as a Silver Arrows driver, it appears he had a change of heart and will now embark on a new journey.

It has left Wolff with a hole to fill at Mercedes, but he insists that there are no hard feelings between himself and fellow team boss Vasseur after the move.

Toto Wolff has worked alongside Lewis Hamilton for 11 years at Mercedes

Fred Vasseur has pinched Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes

Wolff: We punch each other in the nose

“I have great respect for Fred [Vasseur],” Wolff told Total Motorsport.

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“Not only as a racing manager, but also as a longtime friend. On the relationship. It is a tough competition, a cutthroat environment and as much as I try to do the best for our group, he will do that for Ferrari.

“It’s a little bit like rugby. We punch each other in the nose, but we are able to get off the pitch and have a respectful relationship.”

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Toto Wolff Fred Vasseur