'I don't think it suits him': Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari move

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has said he cannot picture Lewis Hamilton in the 'Ferrari red' as the Briton prepares to switch allegiances from the next season.

The seven-time world champion made the shock announcement before the start of the 2024 season. He will kickstart a new chapter in his storied career when he dons the iconic red overalls of the Italian carmaker at 40.

"I can't imagine him in red. I don't think it suits him.But I think that picture is going to be interesting," said Wolff.

The Mercedes boss also took a cheeky dig at Hamilton and told him that he would only be seeing the 'rear wing' ofSilver Arrows car, come the next season.

"And then I told him [Hamilton], you've got to really picture our rear wing because that’s the perspective you're going to have."

Although Mercedes is yet to announce a replacement for Hamilton, Wolff has shown no hesitation in roping Max Verstappen if he were to leave Red Bull due to the ongoing fiasco, involving Christian Horner.

Wolff clears slate with Max and Jos

Wolff also revealed that he had cleared the air with Max as well as his dad, Jos Verstappen, over the 2021 season where the Dutch driver narrowly won his maiden championship.

“It’s unfortunate that there were those moments of rivalry, but maybe they would have acted that way too if they were in my position and I will always defend my own driver," said Wolff.

“Looking back on that whole year [2021], it is clear that I made some mistakes. In the way I dealt with some things. I cannot reverse that. If you look at Max’s last two years, there is no-one even close to him. As a driver, you also can’t do it without a good car, engine and team around you. Max is in that position now," he added.

Speaking about Wolff's interest, Verstappen said it was "nice to hear that"but it didn't have any bearing on his decision to leave Red Bull, at least at this stage.

"Toto and I, we had our little moments but that's normal between two teams battling for the championship. But the respect has always been there. From my side, it doesn't change anything."

(With inputs from agencies)