Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the group are “attempting to reinvent” themselves following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.
After gorgeous the sporting world by asserting his swap to Ferrari final February, Hamilton lastly formally joined the Italian group 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 have a good time their new partnership with German sportswear big Adidas.
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Mercedes Staff Principal Toto Wolff admits that seeing the ‘iconic’ photos of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari crimson after their ‘amicable divorce’ is like seeing ‘your previous accomplice for the primary time with a brand new buddy’.
“It was proper for each of us,” Wolff instructed Sky Sports activities as he mirrored on Hamilton’s exit after 12 years and 6 drivers’ titles with the group.
“I feel 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 fashion, 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, completed driver that has received races, and this new child arising.
“I feel it was a refresh for each 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 System 1 debut with Mercedes.
‘No hangover from Hamilton exit’
Wolff insisted that the collaboration with Adidas is proof that Mercedes won’t expertise any industrial “hangover” from Hamilton’s exit.
The Brit is a big world star and transcends motorsport, drawing a degree of consideration that different drivers cannot match.
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Followers erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives on the observe for his first check session with Ferrari.
Wolff says that Antonelli, who has been fast-tracked to F1 amid enormous pleasure over his potential, has the flexibility to attach with a youthful era.
Requested about Mercedes’s capacity to draw companions with out Hamilton, Wolff stated: “It does not get significantly better (than Adidas) when it comes to iconic manufacturers within the subject of sport.
“It is testomony to the belief that this group has going ahead. Once I mentioned Lewis going and Kimi coming with the CEO, he stated ‘That is so thrilling. Let’s go on the following era!’
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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 document eighth World Drivers’ Championship in 2025.
“And that is how we really feel within the group. We’ve a powerful vibe with the companions which can be with us and wish to come to the group, so we do not really feel any hangover.”
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 System 1 season reside on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
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