Lewis Hamilton has not yet shown his best form since joining Scuderia Ferrari, and following a difficult weekend at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, a message of support came from an unexpected but familiar source—Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes.
The race at the Hungaroring marked another painful blow for Ferrari. The Maranello-based team once again failed to meet expectations with both of its cars. Charles Leclerc, who had secured a stunning pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session, was unable to convert that into a win. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled right from the start of the weekend, appearing uncomfortable and off the pace throughout qualifying.
After the Saturday session, the British driver spoke to the media and did not hide his disappointment. His post-qualifying interview was strikingly honest and unusually harsh—toward both himself and his performance—suggesting a state of emotional fatigue. It was in response to this moment of vulnerability that Toto Wolff stepped forward with a public show of support.
Despite no longer working together, the bond between Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton remains strong. The Austrian team principal has acknowledged that watching Hamilton leave Mercedes was difficult, both personally and professionally. Nevertheless, he recently confirmed that their friendship has endured beyond their working relationship, and for that reason, he felt compelled to comment on the situation following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Reflecting on Lewis Hamilton’s interview after qualifying, Toto Wolff explained: “That was Lewis being honest. Yes, he used some heavy words, but Lewis Hamilton has always been transparent when it comes to questioning himself and admitting when he hasn’t performed at his best. He always speaks with his heart.”
The Mercedes boss continued by saying that this emotional side of Hamilton is nothing new to him—it’s something he had witnessed many times during their years together at the Silver Arrows. “He used to doubt himself back then too,” Wolff said. “Whenever the team had a clear objective and he felt that he hadn’t lived up to it, Lewis would take it very personally. He has always been emotional, even when he was just a young driver. He needs to remind himself that he is still the greatest of all time—and he always will be. No one can take that away from him.”
What lies ahead for Hamilton in Formula 1?
Given the series of disappointing results the seven-time world champion has endured lately, it is only natural to question whether Lewis Hamilton will continue in Formula 1 for much longer. However, Toto Wolff has a very clear vision of the situation. He believes that the upcoming regulation changes will be pivotal to Lewis Hamilton’s future in the sport.
“Lewis still has unfinished business in Formula 1,” said Wolff. “Mercedes has underperformed since the introduction of the current regulations in 2022, and he has never been fully satisfied with the ground-effect cars. Maybe it has something to do with his driving style. But next year we’ll have brand-new cars, completely different to drive. That’s why I hope Lewis continues for many more seasons—and next year will be crucial.”
Those who know Lewis Hamilton well from his time at Mercedes believe that he still has a lot to offer in Formula 1. However, success will depend not only on Hamilton’s effort, but also on Ferrari’s ability to deliver a car that suits him.
“If he’s driving a car that doesn’t give him the feedback he needs,” Toto Wolff added, “and that’s what the Mercedes was in recent years, and now this Ferrari seems to be as well—or possibly even worse—then it will be impossible for him to win. It’s up to the team to give him a machine that lets him perform at his best.”
