Wolff has overseen six of Hamilton’s world title triumphs since their relationship at Mercedes began in 2013, paving the way for a period of unprecedented team success that delivered eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021.
The 52-year-old described the partnership between Mercedes and Hamilton as “the most successful the sport has seen” when the team confirmed the driver’s departure on Thursday.
Although Wolff said he had heard rumours regarding Hamilton’s future earlier in the week, he wanted to wait until he had the chance to hear from him in person.
“We got together for coffee at my place in Oxford. He said to me he had decided to race for Ferrari in 2025 and that was basically it. We had a good hour of conversation,” Wolff said.
“Formula 1 has made me resilient to surprises. [But] it was a surprise. Once he said ‘this is what I’m trying to do’, that was the fact. I didn’t try to convince him otherwise.
“It means that our professional journey comes to an end, but it doesn’t mean our personal relationship ends. I have found a friend. We have built a relationship over the past 10 years.
“He faced a very difficult situation. Maybe for the first time in 10 years without being able to brainstorm with me,” Wolff joked.
“I will always respect the difficult situation he faced. In the future we can discuss whether this could have been done in a different way or not, but I will hold no grudge.”
More to follow.
