F1 News: Toto Wolff in major Hamilton decision as Mercedes handover plan revealed

Russell, Wolff, Hamilton, Mercedes, Abu Dhabi, 2023 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Wolff in major Hamilton decision as Mercedes handover plan revealed

Toto Wolff places confidence in 2024 lineup and trusts Hamilton with secrets

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

Tuesday 20 February 2024 14:57

Toto Wolff is gearing up to make bold decisions as Mercedes charts its course for the future in Formula 1 post-2024.

As Lewis Hamilton prepares to part ways with the team at the end of the season, Wolff is confronted with challenging choices while sketching out the team's upcoming trajectory.

Among these decisions is the commitment to transparency, as Wolff opts not to withhold any information from Hamilton ahead of his transition to Ferrari.

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This departure from the conventional practice of keeping details under wraps signifies a unique approach as the team bids farewell to its driver.

This means that Hamilton will be involved with the development of this year’s car and could even have some bearing on their 2025 challenger with the feedback he provides helping to improve their chassis.

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton have developed a lot of trust in their 11 years working together

George Russell will have to be prepared to step up and be Mercedes' number one driver in 2025

Wolff: Not something that bothers me at all

“The regulations stay pretty much the same. When it comes to 2025, we will evaluate later in the season what it means in terms of technical information, but that's not something that bothers me at all.”

Elsewhere in the team, Wolff backs George Russell to step up as Mercedes’ new number one driver, especially with the Brit now entering his sixth season in the sport.

“With all the Lewis discussion, something that has not been talked about enough is George,” Wolff told Sky Sports.

“George has the potential to be the next lead driver in the team. He is of the generation of Lando [Norris] and [Charles] Leclerc and some of the others.

“I couldn't wish for a new team leader when Lewis leaves, no doubt about that.”

With a matter of days before the Silver Arrows launch the W15 – most likely the last Mercedes Lewis Hamilton will drive in F1, Wolff will be hoping that the trust he puts in his two drivers is repaid in the form of good results this season.

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Toto Wolff