Despite a challenging start to his Ferrari career, Lewis Hamilton's legacy as one of Formula 1's greatest drivers remains secure, according to Toto Wolff. The Mercedes team principal, who oversaw six of Hamilton's seven world championships, has consistently defended the British driver amidst recent struggles and self-critical comments. Wolff insists that Hamilton's "unfinished business" in F1 and his champion mentality will ultimately prevail.
Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025, after a long and successful partnership with Mercedes, was met with considerable excitement. However, the season has not unfolded as many expected. Hamilton himself has expressed frustration, most notably after a disappointing qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he described himself as "useless". He even went so far as to suggest that Ferrari might need to consider replacing him.
Wolff, however, views Hamilton's self-criticism as a hallmark of a true champion. He believes that Hamilton's ability to take responsibility for his performances, even when they fall short, is a testament to his greatness. Wolff stated that Hamilton is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) and will always be the GOAT. He also said that no single weekend or race season that hasn't gone to plan will take that away from him.
Wolff also addressed Hamilton's comments suggesting Ferrari should replace him, stating that it was a moment of weakness. He said that Hamilton was wearing his heart on his sleeve, which is a fantastic character trait, but that it was simply not true that he was useless.
The Mercedes boss believes that Hamilton's struggles at Ferrari may be linked to the current generation of ground-effect cars, which Hamilton has never been happy with. Wolff also pointed out that Hamilton's driving style has a fundamental disconnect with the ground-effect cars. He hopes the new regulations in 2026, featuring smaller cars and new engine rules, will provide a reset and allow Hamilton to showcase his talents once again.
Wolff emphasized that Hamilton's support for young talents like Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is making his F1 debut with Mercedes, is further evidence of his champion mentality. He said champions recognize other champions and that Hamilton remains very important to Mercedes. He was a cornerstone of the team and will always be part of the Mercedes family, even though he now races for Ferrari.
Hamilton's legacy in Formula 1 is undeniable. He holds numerous records, including the most wins (103), pole positions (103), and podium finishes (183). He also shares the record for most world championships (7) with Michael Schumacher. Despite the current challenges, Wolff is confident that Hamilton can still win an eighth world title if he has the right car. He believes that Hamilton definitely still has it.
Wolff said that people are not going to remember Hamilton's time at Ferrari at the end of his career. He stated that nobody thinks about the Schumacher and Mercedes time and that it isn't relevant for Schumacher's career.
Ultimately, Toto Wolff's unwavering support for Lewis Hamilton underscores the belief that even the greatest champions face adversity. Hamilton's track record, combined with his relentless drive and champion's mindset, suggests that he is far from finished, and his legacy as an F1 icon remains firmly intact.
