Toto Wolff explains why ‘nobody’ will remember that Lewis Hamilton raced for Ferrari

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Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was arguably the biggest driver transfer in the history of Formula 1. But his former boss, Toto Wolff, has explained why it could be a footnote in the history books.

Hamilton is the most successful F1 driver ever, and Ferrari are the sport’s most successful team. Combined, they boast 22 drivers’ titles and 353 wins.

Unfortunately, none of those victories are mutual. In fact, Hamilton hasn’t even stood on the podium in his first 16 Grands Prix for the Scuderia, an outcome that seemed unthinkable given the pre-season fanfare.

And now there are major doubts as to whether Hamilton can be the driver to end Ferrari’s 17-year wait for a title. Even if they build a contending car next year, his underwhelming form suggests he may not capitalise.

Toto Wolff says Ferrari struggles won’t affect Lewis Hamilton’s F1 legacy

Hamilton joined Ferrari in the hope that he could surpass Michael Schumacher and become the only driver to win an eighth title. But thus far, his stint at Maranello has echoes of Schumacher’s time at Mercedes.

Schumacher was 41 – just a year older than Hamilton – when he came out of retirement to join the Silver Arrows. But across three years, he failed to win a race and scored only one podium, and Hamilton replaced him for the 2013 season.

Nico Rosberg only won one race as Schumacher’s teammate, while Charles Leclerc hasn’t got off the mark alongside Hamilton. But both head-to-head records look one-sided.

Speaking to GPBlog, Mercedes team principal Wolff expressed confidence that Hamilton’s legacy wouldn’t be tainted by the disappointing switch to Ferrari.

“He’s going to retire, nobody’s going to ever know that he was at Ferrari at the end,” he said. “Who thinks about the Schumacher and Mercedes time? That isn’t relevant for Schumacher’s career.”

Does Max Verstappen miss racing against Lewis Hamilton?

Prior to the 2025 season, Martin Brundle said Hamilton had ‘lost the edge’. While he still thought he could get to ’96 or 97%’ of his best form, he declared that the Briton’s best days were behind him.

If that’s true, he may no longer be in the absolute top category of drivers. Max Verstappen is the only unanimous inclusion in that bracket, but Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and George Russell may all feature too.

In a recent interview, Verstappen said he didn’t miss battling with Hamilton. He does, however, appreciate the knowledge he gained during their unforgettable 2021 tussle.

Hamilton has experienced some of the lowest moments of his career this season, so if he can deliver an eighth championship in either 2026 or 2027, he may cement his status as the greatest of all time in the eyes of many observers. His Ferrari move would then represent a Hollywood climax rather than a blemish.