Lewis Hamilton joins Toto Wolff and Mercedes crew on private jet after China podium. After a podium in China with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton returns to Europe on Toto Wolff’s private jet.

Lewis Hamilton was celebrated by Mercedes following his podium at the Chinese Grand Prix, with Toto Wolff’s gestures and words particularly warm and affectionate. Hamilton returned to Europe on the Mercedes CEO’s private jet, alongside Valtteri Bottas and George Russell.

Hamilton has returned

He had made it clear before the start of the Formula 1 season: Lewis Hamilton was back. But words had to be followed by actions, which he delivered both in Melbourne and especially in Shanghai. There, he beat his teammate twice—first in qualifying, then in the race—after a genuine on-track duel. Hamilton achieved his first podium as a Ferrari driver, and Mercedes also celebrated the result, understandably, given the many factors involved. Later, he flew back to Europe on Toto Wolff’s private jet. Everything seemed fantastic and highly sporting, though there’s a nuance: considering the rivalry on and off track, where battles can be political as well as sporting, it’s not entirely without intrigue.

Hamilton on the podium with Ferrari in China

Twelve years as a Mercedes driver, and even earlier with McLaren powered by Mercedes, made the switch to Ferrari revolutionary in every respect. A challenging and disappointing first season at Ferrari initially led to frustration, but everything has now changed. His third place in Shanghai was celebrated with a magical smile and contagious joy. Compliments from his new team were matched by Mercedes’ praise, already thrilled with Kimi Antonelli’s first F1 win and a 1-2 finish with Russell second.

Toto Wolff: “For a moment I thought we had three Mercedes in the top positions”

Toto Wolff’s joy in congratulating Hamilton after the race was genuine. Even the day before, after qualifying (with Lewis Hamilton behind Kimi and Russell), his words were clear: “For a moment, I thought we had three cars in the top three positions. I need to get used to it! One is in red? He’s still our driver.” Peter Bonnington, former engineer of Hamilton and now of Antonelli, expressed the same sentiment, saying immediately after the race: “The band is back together,” with Hamilton’s podium making Kimi’s victory even sweeter.

Wolff gives Hamilton a lift home

The affection remains strong. Hamilton’s bond with the Mercedes world is still very powerful, a true emblem of sportsmanship. This was captured in a photo posted on social media by Valtteri Bottas. The former Mercedes driver shared an image aboard Toto Wolff’s private jet, with Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who took advantage of the ride or perhaps felt a touch of nostalgia for his former team. Also on board were Toto’s wife, Susie Wolff, and Russell’s partner—essentially a reunion of old friends.

The “band” is playing together again. Yet there is a note of tension: Lewis Hamilton is now, and will remain, a competitor. He may never be Mercedes’ greatest rival, but the goal of Lewis and Ferrari—along with Charles Leclerc—is to challenge Mercedes at every opportunity and literally put obstacles in their way.