Toto Wolff: “Hamilton could have fought for the win without the incident in qualifying”

It’s the end of an incredible story. After 12 seasons spent together, Hamilton and Mercedes are parting ways. A collaboration rich in success, with six world titles and 84 victories for the Briton. However, the last three seasons have been much more difficult for the German team. In 2024, the team achieved four wins, but still struggles to understand its car. Often this season, Hamilton has faced difficulties during qualifying, as the car does not suit his driving style. These issues were once again highlighted this weekend in Abu Dhabi, where the Briton was eliminated in the first part of qualifying.

This underperformance can be explained more by bad luck than by a lack of pace. During his last lap in Q1, a bollard hit by Kevin Magnussen’s Haas slipped under the floor of the Mercedes in the final sector, significantly affecting its aerodynamic efficiency. Classified 18th on the grid, the seven-time world champion remained calm after this disappointing session:

« I don’t have emotions. I am rather relaxed. It was an unfortunate session, and we hit the curb with the car. I don’t feel the pain in my teeth as such. I think, for me, I was very focused, I enjoyed every moment, I put the car in a very good position. »

Despite this situation, Hamilton remained optimistic for the race: “It won’t be easy to overtake, but I am working on the strategy right now, and instead of fighting for a podium, I see how far I can go in the top 10. It would be great,” he told media including GPBlog on Saturday. A wish that came true the next day.

A last successful race with Mercedes

Sixteenth on the grid after several penalties, Hamilton opted for an unusual strategy by starting with hard tires. He quickly took advantage of first lap incidents to move closer to the top 10. Thanks to perfect tire management and an impressive pace, he crossed the finish line in fourth position, culminating in overtaking his teammate on the last lap.

Despite this satisfying result, Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, did not hide his frustration. According to him, Hamilton could have fought for the victory without the incident in qualifying: “I always try to be analytical and, if this obstacle had not been in our way yesterday, I think Lewis could have fought for the victory,” he told Autosport. He also praised the performance of the British driver: “He drove like a world champion today. From P16, he gradually climbed through the field, played the long-term strategy, and finished fourth, even pulling away from a Red Bull. It’s a statement worthy of a champion. Before the race, our best estimate was P6. In pure pace, on the medium tires, he was two-tenths slower than Lando [Norris]. But with Lewis’ situation in traffic, we would have been up there.”

The end of a wonderful collaboration

This Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the end of the partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes. As the Briton prepares to join Ferrari in a few days, Toto Wolff remains convinced that their personal relationship will endure despite their forthcoming rivalry: « It’s been 12 years. This period has created bonds, trust, and these values are rare nowadays. It’s a period we will always keep close to our hearts, and one of the best in my personal life with the team. »

He adds: « We said that we would work hard to preserve our relationship. The competition on the track will be fierce, but if we want our relationship to continue beyond the competition, we will do it. We will continue to do sports together, to try to surpass ourselves; or to go for motorcycle rides, have dinner together, and all these things. »

Before that, Hamilton and Mercedes will have a few more days to spend together before the Briton heads to Italy to begin the final chapter of his Formula 1 career.