Mercedes boss Toto Wolff found himself tracking the progress of Lewis Hamilton during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix despite his departure to Ferrari.
After 12 seasons helped forge a record-breaking partnership, Mercedes and Hamilton have now contested a GP as opponents for the first time since 2012 as the seven-time champion made his bow with Ferrari.
For Wolff and Hamilton, it was a genuine first, with both men joining the Silver Arrows in 2013.
Wolff admitted post-race at the Albert Park Circuit that he felt as if had “three drivers” competing in Melbourne as his eye kept wandering to his former charge on the timing screens.
“When I was looking at the screens at times, the way I looked at it is like we had three drivers, because I was looking at RUS, I was looking at ANT, and I was looking at HAM,” he said.
“Then, you realise that HAM is actually with Ferrari and is not with us anymore.”
Such is the bond Hamilton formed at Mercedes, Wolff revealed that the Brackley-based team is still rooting for the seven-time champion, even if he’s at rivals Ferrari.
“He was such a long time [he was with us], it’s logical that you can’t say, ‘He’s gone and you don’t care anymore,’” he said.
“We very much care about how he is doing, but obviously, on the track, he is the competition, and we have to beat the competition.”
Hamilton supporting Mercedes replacement Antonelli
Hamilton’s replacement is none other than 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
A star of the future, the teenager was impressive in Australia, finishing in fourth after starting 16th.
Hamilton was seen at Antonelli’s side throughout the Australian GP weekend.
First, the seven-time champion heaped praise on his Mercedes replacement during Thursday’s press conference.
“Just looking at this youngster here, I’m happy for him, you know, he’s doing so well and conducting himself so well,” Hamilton said.
“Taking that first leap, getting that first opportunity to be in Formula 1, it’s so, so special.
“I know how many years of dedication it would have taken for him. Starting even younger than I did. It’s just exciting to see.
Hamilton later accompanied the Italian teenager during Sunday’s driver parade and the duo were seen exchanging words in the build-up to the GP.
Acknowledging Hamilton’s support, Antonelli said: “It shows how great he is, not only as a driver, but also as a person.
“Because he’s always there supportive.”
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