Susie Wolff shares what excites her about Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari

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Lewis Hamilton will compete in his final Formula 1 Grand Prix with Mercedes in around two months’ time. While he will have total confidence in his decision to join Ferrari, it will inevitably be an emotional occasion.

Hamilton has been with Mercedes since 2013, the longest ongoing relationship on the F1 grid. Max Verstappen, who joined Red Bull in 2016, is second on that list.

It has been the most successful partnership in the sport’s history, delivering six drivers’ titles and 84 race wins. Together they topped Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari record of five championships and 72 victories.

Perhaps predictably, there have been some signs of tension this year. Hamilton was upset with Mercedes in Singapore after their bold tyre strategy backfired.

The team have to be wary of the 39-year-old taking sensitive information about their 2025 car to their rivals. Hamilton may no longer be involved in certain meetings as his exit date approaches.

But by December’s Abu Dhabi GP, the challenges of 2024 will likely be forgotten. Hamilton will instead savour his last race alongside longtime colleagues like race engineer Peter Bonnington, who will remain at Mercedes after receiving a promotion.

Susie Wolff says Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will be ‘iconic’

Speaking on the Red Flags Podcast, Susie Wolff discussed her relationship with Hamilton. Wolff is the CEO of F1 academy, a former Williams racing driver and the wife of Mercedes boss Toto.

Two years older than Hamilton, she competed with him in karting when they were both children. Having observed him closely in Formula 1, she spoke glowingly of his work ethic.

While she views his departure as a ‘sad’ moment, she’s also excited for his ‘iconic’ link-up with Ferrari. The sport’s most successful driver will join its most famous brand.

“Quite often you have this perception of Lewis from a distance that he just rocks up, jumps in and is fast,” Wolff said. “But he works incredibly hard off-track at every aspect of his life.

“He’s absolutely dedicated to being the best driver he can be. As much as I’m sad in a way that he’s going to end his journey [at Mercedes] with [his move to] Ferrari, I think it will be an iconic moment to see him in a Ferrari race suit next season.”

Toto Wolff opens up on the ‘extraordinary consequences’ of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit

Hamilton has already started to prepare for his move to Ferrari in private. In a sporting sense, he remains totally committed to Mercedes as he pursues a top-five finish in the world championship and one final race victory in their colours.

But in his spare time, Hamilton has been learning Italian to aid his adaptation. He’s aware that Schumacher took this step, which was key to his success.

Toto Wolff admits Hamilton’s Ferrari move will have ‘extraordinary consequences’, but he’s confident in Mercedes’ new line-up. George Russell will be the senior figure alongside teenager Kimi Antonelli.

Alongside Alpine’s Jack Doohan, Antonelli will be the least experienced driver on the 2025 grid. But Wolff remembers when Hamilton joined McLaren for his rookie year in 2007 and very nearly won the world championship.