Last week, the first official images of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red were circulated worldwide. After twelve years with Mercedes, the Brit made his first appearance with the Maranello team, clad in the iconic red. It was a remarkable moment, even for Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who admitted that the first photos of Hamilton as a Ferrari driver had an impact on him.
‘Iconic Photos’
Hamilton’s transition has been drama-free, but that doesn’t mean it left Wolff unaffected. “It’s a bit like parting ways amicably, but then you see your partner for the first time with a new friend,” the Austrian joked in a conversation with Sky Sports News. Nevertheless, he granted Hamilton the moment: “I told him those photos were iconic. It was all beautifully staged, and that’s no surprise with Lewis.”
What Can Mercedes Achieve in 2025?
With Hamilton’s departure, a new chapter begins for Mercedes. The German racing team is fully committed to the future with 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He will join George Russell and is tasked with bringing Mercedes back to the top, after the team only managed to secure fourth place in the constructors’ championship last year. “Last year, we were at our wits’ end, especially in the beginning,” Wolff reflected on the inconsistent season of 2024. “We had races where we were very strong, but also weekends where things didn’t go well at all. Ultimately, we will only know where we truly stand after the qualification in Melbourne.”
Antonelli Ready for the Challenge
For Antonelli, it’s a significant step. The young Italian, who only turned 18 in September and recently got his driving license, is considered a great talent in motorsport. However, Wolff has no doubts about his readiness for the challenge. “He has been part of our team for so long. We’ve known him since he was eleven and he has integrated well. He is prepared and he can’t wait to get started.”
