Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the workforce are “trying to reinvent” themselves following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.
After beautiful the sporting world by asserting his change to Ferrari final February, Hamilton lastly formally joined the Italian workforce final month and has been testing of their vehicles from 2023 and 2024 as he prepares for the 2025 season opener in Australia on March 16.
Mercedes have changed Hamilton with 18-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli as George Russell’s team-mate, and on Wednesday started ramping up for the season by holding a media occasion to rejoice their new partnership with German sportswear large Adidas.
“It was right for both of us,” Wolff instructed Sky Sports activities as he mirrored on Hamilton’s exit after 12 years and 6 drivers’ titles with the workforce.
“I believe whenever you see Lewis in his first appearances at Ferrari, this image in entrance of Enzo Ferrari’s home, it is iconic. Lewis together with his sense of favor, and I’ve instructed him.
“And on the similar time, us embarking on a special route, attempting to reinvent ourselves with a younger driver – along with George, who is not talked about sufficient. We’ve a senior, achieved driver that has gained races, and this new child arising.
“I think it was a refresh for both of us.”
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Kimi Antonelli admitted he was ‘fairly nervous’ taking his driving check, having handed it earlier than he makes his Components 1 debut with Mercedes.
‘No hangover from Hamilton exit’
Wolff insisted that the collaboration with Adidas is proof that Mercedes is not going to expertise any business “hangover” from Hamilton’s exit.
The Brit is a large world star and transcends motorsport, drawing a stage of consideration that different drivers cannot match.
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Followers erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives on the monitor for his first check session with Ferrari.
Wolff says that Antonelli, who has been fast-tracked to F1 amid big pleasure over his potential, has the power to attach with a youthful technology.
Requested about Mercedes’s potential to draw companions with out Hamilton, Wolff mentioned: “It doesn’t get much better (than Adidas) in terms of iconic brands in the field of sport.
“It is testomony to the belief that this workforce has going ahead. After I mentioned Lewis going and Kimi coming with the CEO, he mentioned ‘That is so thrilling. Let’s go on the subsequent technology!’
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Martin Brundle believes Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has misplaced his edge however he backs the seven-time World Champion to win a file eighth World Drivers’ Championship in 2025.
“And this is how we feel in the team. We have a strong vibe with the partners that are with us and want to come to the team, so we don’t feel any hangover.”
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 Components 1 season stay on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
