F1 legend Lewis Hamilton FIRES BACK at brutal Toto Wolff criticism as strong statement issued

Wolff, Hamilton, social — Photo: © IMAGO

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Lewis Hamilton FIRES BACK at brutal Toto Wolff criticism as strong statement issued

Hamilton has hit back at comments from the Mercedes chief

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Saturday 1 March 2025 22:00

Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has fired back at his former Mercedes boss Toto Wolff after the Silver Arrows CEO made brutal comments regarding his age.

Hamilton has departed the team to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, ending a highly successful 12-year partnership.

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However, late last year, Wolff gave an interview in which he claimed that there 'was a reason' he had only signed Hamilton to a short-term deal, suggesting that he was on the decline due to his age.

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The Mercedes boss later backtracked on his comments, but the words were said and the metaphorical damage done.

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Hamilton issues powerful message to F1 critics

Now, following his Ferrari move being complete, Hamilton has hit back at Wolff in an interview withTime Magazine.

“Don’t ever compare me to anybody else,” Hamilton declared in the interview.

“I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey."

“You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula 1 driver in history," the seven-time champion added.

"Because they are nothing like me. I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority.”

Wolff is not the only one to have made comments about Hamilton, with the Brit having been the subject of a lot of criticism from those within F1 regarding his Ferrari move, such as former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

“I’ve always welcomed the negativity,” Hamilton added.

“I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.

"How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Formula 1 Christian Horner Toto Wolff