Austrian motorsport executive, investor and former racing driver Toto Wolff, currently the Team Principal of Mercedes, has given an update on his association with French manager Frederic Vasseur, the team boss of Scuderia Ferrari, just a few days after the surprising announcement about Lewis Hamilton’s move to the Maranello team starting with the 2025 Formula 1 championship.
Toto Wolff, taken aback by Lewis Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari, was informed during a coffee meeting at his Oxfordshire residence by the British driver himself. The Austrian has collaborated with Lewis Hamilton for nearly 11 years, starting when the seven-time Formula 1 world champion joined the team back in 2013.
In contrast, Fred Vasseur has a longer history with Lewis Hamilton, having worked with him during his junior formula career at the ART team in both Formula 3 and GP2 (now Formula 2).
When questioned about whether the news about Lewis Hamilton would strain the relationship between them, Toto Wolff shared with the media:
“I have great respect for Fred. Not only as a racing manager but also as a long-time friend. But when he took the role in Ferrari, it was clear that he needs to do the best he can for Ferrari and use every opportunity in order to do that. So there is no bad feeling towards Fred trying to get the best the best employees, the best drivers. So that has no effect on the relationship. It is a tough competition. It is a cut-throat environment. And as much as I try to do the best for our group, he will do that for Ferrari.” – the Mercedes team principal concluded.
