Lewis Hamilton under fire but not forgotten: Toto Wolff urges patience amid Ferrari struggles
Lewis Hamilton’s former team principal, Toto Wolff, has jumped to the veteran’s defence, urging patience amid Ferrari struggles.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo reflects on the Mercedes boss’ words on Hamilton’s transition to the Scuderia.
Hamilton’s rocky start at Ferrari raises questions
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari in 2025 has so far delivered more headlines than trophies.
Ten races in, and the seven-time world champion is still chasing his first podium in red.
His team-mate Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, has already landed three top-three finishes and currently leads Hamilton by 25 points in the standings.
Despite the tough start, Hamilton did manage a pole and sprint win in China, but the rest of the season has lacked sparkle.
The pressure is mounting, not just from fans and media, but from inside Ferrari’s own garage.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur has pushed for his drivers to focus more on getting the most out of the current car rather than lobbying for major upgrades. Hamilton disagrees.
“Ultimately we need upgrades,” Hamilton told reporters after the Canadian Grand Prix, where he finished sixth. “We need an upgrade to be able to fight the guys up front.”
His statement stands in direct contrast to Vasseur’s approach. The Frenchman maintains that execution, not equipment, is the real issue.
“I want to put the focus much more on the execution than the pure potential of the car,” Vasseur responded after Montreal.
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Wolff: You don’t unlearn how to drive
Watching from the sidelines, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been one of the few to openly defend Hamilton during this difficult transition.
The pair worked together for over a decade, rewriting F1’s record books with a dominant era at Mercedes. For Wolff, it’s not about the immediate results but understanding the bigger picture.
“You don’t unlearn driving that quickly,” Wolff said on Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit podcast.
“In 2021, he was still great. The regulations changed, yes, and things got harder, but the talent never left. Changing teams doesn’t mean you lose your skills.”
Wolff emphasised that Hamilton’s struggles are tied to adaptation more than decline. He pointed out that Ferrari’s DNA is very different from what Hamilton is used to.
New engineers, a new philosophy, and a very Italian culture all add layers to the transition.
“Lewis has always needed time to settle in at the beginning of a season,” Wolff said.
“But once he finds his rhythm, the second half is when he really starts to fly. I wouldn’t count him out just yet.”
Discord at Ferrari but hope on the horizon
The tension between Hamilton and Ferrari’s leadership reflects a wider uncertainty at Maranello.
Vasseur has had his own job security questioned, especially after a dismal outing in Canada, where Hamilton hit a groundhog mid-race and Leclerc could only manage fifth.
Still, Ferrari upgrades are on the way. Vasseur confirmed that developments will arrive ahead of the British Grand Prix and possibly another package later in the season.
Whether these will align with Hamilton’s driving style and expectations remains to be seen.
Despite the internal friction, both drivers remain determined to turn things around.
Hamilton continues to push for technical improvements while Leclerc quietly delivers consistent performances.
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The bond that never broke
Beyond the headlines and trackside drama, one relationship remains strong: the one between Wolff and Hamilton.
Though no longer racing together, the bond built over 12 seasons remains unshaken.
“You always miss someone like Lewis,” Wolff admitted. “We’re still close friends. We promised each other we would stay that way. On track, we fight for our teams with gloves off. But off track, we still spend time together.”
Replacing a driver like Hamilton, he added, is never easy.
“He’s seen it all. He’s part of a very rare driver-team relationship in sport. And no matter where he is, you can’t just forget what he brings to the table.”
Still in the race
Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter may have started on the back foot, but the story is far from over.
With upgrades on the horizon, more time to adapt, and a late-season surge historically in his favour, the second half of 2025 could still see Hamilton back where he belongs - fighting at the front.
As Wolff said, “Don’t ever write Lewis Hamilton off.”
