Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has backed Lewis Hamilton to sustain a seamless transition when he completes his highly-anticipated Formula 1 switch to Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton will conclude his long-serving association with Mercedes once this season ends as he prepares to team up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari from next season.
But having been with English-based teams his whole F1 career, there has been scepticism concerning how the Briton will adapt to the unique culture within Maranello.
However, Wolff, who is Hamilton’s current team boss, is confident the seven-time F1 champion will encounter minimal issues acclimatising to the Ferrari environment.
“I think many people say that it’s going to be really difficult,” Wolff told Autosport.
“But I think if you say it’s going to be really difficult, then often it’s the opposite.
“Ferrari is a great team, great people, lots of emotion and passion and therefore it’s pressure. But I believe they are going to find a way of working with each other.”
Hamilton was adamant earlier in the campaign that he has ignored external comments regarding his decision as he harbours zero regrets over his next career choice.
“There’s not been a moment where I’ve questioned it, and I’m not swayed by other people’s comments,” he said.
“Even today, there’s people continuing to talk shit, and it will continue on for the rest of the year.
“And I’ll have to just do what I did in the previous time. Only you can know what was right for you. And it will be an exciting time for me.”
Mercedes excited by Antonelli’s F1 step-up
Mercedes announced over the Italian Grand Prix weekend last month that prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be promoted to the race drive that Hamilton will vacate.
Wolff has expressed that the excitement surrounding Antonelli’s imminent move up to F1 as a rookie has helped to ease the sadness associated with Hamilton’s exit.
“I think we had such a great run with Lewis over the last 12 years,” Wolff added. “He’s always going to be part of the family.
“But obviously, as a competitor, when we try to beat him next year, Kimi joining George [Russell] clearly brings momentum with it, plus youth and freshness.
“You can feel the kind of smile that is in your organisation with having an 18-year-old in a car.
“But having said that, obviously, there will be moments where Lewis’s experience would have benefited the team.
“Kimi is going to be on a steep learning curve, but it’s absolutely the right thing for the team to do and there’s not one person that would have done it differently.”
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