Lewis Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes, for Ferrari, from the 2025 season with the development becoming official early this year, in February. Recently, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff downplayed Hamilton's exit and mentioned that the role of a driver in the development of the car is often 'overestimated'. It is to be noted that Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, signed a two-year extension with Mercedes earlier. However, he had an exit clause in the second year and the Great Britain driver used it to leave Mercedes for Ferrari.

While many believed that Hamilton's exit would leave Mercedes reeling, Wolff claimed that he is fine with the move. Talking to Sky Germany, Wolff made it clear that the veteran's departure won't impact the team as the driver's role in the car development remains minimal.

In this regard, Wolff said, "The role of the driver in the development of the car is always overestimated. Once a year, we give input on the next development of the single-seater and during the season there is simply feedback on the handling of the card."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rattled-erik-ten-hag-beefs-with-embarrasing-media-after-man-uniteds-fa-cup-win-714256">Rattled Erik ten Hag beefs with 'embarrasing' media after Man United's FA Cup win</a>

Wolff, in fact, further opined that it is worse to lose an engineer than a driver for the team. He added, "From this point of view, it is worse to lose an engineer who goes to an other team after 12 months, than a driver who changes team. There is no great loss of skills."

Mercedes is yet to finalise Hamilton's replacement with strong rumours of Carlos Sainz being a leading contender. Notably, Hamilton is joining Ferrari in place of Sainz from 2025 season.

While Wolff has brushed aside speculations by saying the driver does not impact the car's development severely, Ferrari's CEO Benedotto Vigna feels completely opposite.&nbsp;He told CNBC, “Lewis will bring us what is in our DNA, what our founder [Enzo Ferrari] has said many times, a desire for continuous progress which is fundamental for a company, a team, to continue to be successful in the future."

Vigna further stressed how Hamilton's presence could bring positive change within the team environment. He added, "For Ferrari, it is fundamental to have the soul of a driver. When everything is going well in a company, we forget that things can change. Having people like Lewis in the house will help remind us that things can change and you must always be vigilant if you go too fast in a corner, you risk spinning, which is why you must keep all four wheels firmly on the ground."

Lewis Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes, for Ferrari, from the 2025 season with the development becoming official early this year, in February. Recently, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff downplayed Hamilton's exit and mentioned that the role of a driver in the development of the car is often 'overestimated'.

Lewis Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes, for Ferrari, from the 2025 season with the development becoming official early this year, in February. Recently, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff downplayed Hamilton's exit and mentioned that the role of a driver in the development of the car is often 'overestimated'. It is to be noted that Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, signed a two-year extension with Mercedes earlier. However, he had an exit clause in the second year and the Great Britain driver used it to leave Mercedes for Ferrari. While many believed that Hamilton's exit would leave Mercedes reeling, Wolff claimed that he is fine with the move. Talking to Sky Germany, Wolff made it clear that the veteran's departure won't impact the team as the driver's role in the car development remains minimal. In this regard, Wolff said, "The role of the driver in the development of the car is always overestimated. Once a year, we give input on the next development of the single-seater and during the season there is simply feedback on the handling of the card." Also read: Rattled Erik ten Hag beefs with 'embarrasing' media after Man United's FA Cup win Wolff, in fact, further opined that it is worse to lose an engineer than a driver for the team. He added, "From this point of view, it is worse to lose an engineer who goes to an other team after 12 months, than a driver who changes team. There is no great loss of skills." Mercedes is yet to finalise Hamilton's replacement with strong rumours of Carlos Sainz being a leading contender. Notably, Hamilton is joining Ferrari in place of Sainz from 2025 season. While Wolff has brushed aside speculations by saying the driver does not impact the car's development severely, Ferrari's CEO Benedotto Vigna feels completely opposite. He told CNBC, “Lewis will bring us what is in our DNA, what our founder [Enzo Ferrari] has said many times, a desire for continuous progress which is fundamental for a company, a team, to continue to be successful in the future." Vigna further stressed how Hamilton's presence could bring positive change within the team environment. He added, "For Ferrari, it is fundamental to have the soul of a driver. When everything is going well in a company, we forget that things can change. Having people like Lewis in the house will help remind us that things can change and you must always be vigilant if you go too fast in a corner, you risk spinning, which is why you must keep all four wheels firmly on the ground."

F1: ‘Role of driver in car development always overestimated’ - Wolff downplays Hamilton’s exit from Mercedes

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I can't imagine him in red. I don't think it suits him.&nbsp;But I think that picture is going to be interesting," said Wolff.&nbsp;

The Mercedes boss also took a cheeky dig at Hamilton and told him that he would only be seeing the 'rear wing' of&nbsp;Silver Arrows car, come the next season.&nbsp;

"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.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-mercedes-team-principals-wife-files-criminal-complaint-against-fia-702555">Also read |&nbsp;Formula One: Mercedes team principal's wife files criminal complaint against FIA</a>

<h2>Wolff clears slate with Max and Jos</h2>

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.&nbsp;

“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.&nbsp;

“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.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-transfer-ex-british-driver-martin-brundle-compares-shock-move-with-michael-schumacher-686322" target="_blank">Also read | Lewis Hamilton Ferrari transfer: Ex-British driver Martin Brundle compares shock move with Michael Schumacher</a>

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.&nbsp;

"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)&nbsp;

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.

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' of Silver 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. Also read | Formula One: Mercedes team principal's wife files criminal complaint against FIA 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. Also read | Lewis Hamilton Ferrari transfer: Ex-British driver Martin Brundle compares shock move with Michael Schumacher 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)

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

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that Britain should feel proud to have "ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton" after the iconic Formula One World champions was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.

Hamilton has been honoured with the accolade after a record-breaking year where he surpassed Michael Schumacher’s all-time win tally and equalled the German by winning a seventh world title.

Wolff has witnessed Hamilton’s success at Mercedes after the Briton switched sides from McLaren in 2013. Since then, Hamilton has won six of his seven world titles with Mercedes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-uks-new-year-honours-list-353538" hreflang="en">Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list</a>

The Mercedes boss hailed the 35-year-old for his incredible sporting success while lauding his efforts to battle discrimination.&nbsp;

"The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport," said Wolff.

"The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton."

Hamilton, who resides in Monaco, has faced severe criticism in the past over his tax arrangements but has said that he still pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain. Hamilton is among the top 5,000 highest tax-paying people in the UK.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a>

The Briton won his record-equalling title against the backdrop of his battle against injustices. Lending his support to racial discrimination issues, Hamilton took a knee before all his F1 2020 races while Mercedes changed their livery from silver to black to highlight the issue of discrimination.

Britain's Damon Hill, world champion in 1996, told Sky News: "Lewis has stood up for issues that are close to his heart and affect everyone.

"In our sport, it is very rare for a driver to get involved in anything that is outside of Formula One. But Lewis has said this affects every black person and he stood up at a time when it could have destabilised his career and destabilised his concentration on the championship." 
&nbsp;

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that Britain should feel proud to have "ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton" after the iconic Formula One World champions was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that Britain should feel proud to have "ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton" after the iconic Formula One World champions was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list. Hamilton has been honoured with the accolade after a record-breaking year where he surpassed Michael Schumacher’s all-time win tally and equalled the German by winning a seventh world title. Wolff has witnessed Hamilton’s success at Mercedes after the Briton switched sides from McLaren in 2013. Since then, Hamilton has won six of his seven world titles with Mercedes. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list The Mercedes boss hailed the 35-year-old for his incredible sporting success while lauding his efforts to battle discrimination. "The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport," said Wolff. "The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton." Hamilton, who resides in Monaco, has faced severe criticism in the past over his tax arrangements but has said that he still pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain. Hamilton is among the top 5,000 highest tax-paying people in the UK. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 The Briton won his record-equalling title against the backdrop of his battle against injustices. Lending his support to racial discrimination issues, Hamilton took a knee before all his F1 2020 races while Mercedes changed their livery from silver to black to highlight the issue of discrimination. Britain's Damon Hill, world champion in 1996, told Sky News: "Lewis has stood up for issues that are close to his heart and affect everyone. "In our sport, it is very rare for a driver to get involved in anything that is outside of Formula One. But Lewis has said this affects every black person and he stood up at a time when it could have destabilised his career and destabilised his concentration on the championship."

Britain should be 'proud' of knighted Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes' Toto Wolff