TOTO WOLFF has claimed Lewis Hamilton scuppered Mercedes’ chance to sign Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc.
The Merc boss lifts the lid on the seven-time world champion’s shock move to Ferrari in tell-all book, Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff in April 2024Rex
Hamilton stunned Formula One fans in February by announcing he would move to the Italian team in 2025.
Wolff has been open about sniffing around Red Bull’s triple world champ Max Verstappen this season.
But this is the first time he has spoken of lining up McLaren’s Brit star Norris and Ferrari’s Leclerc.
Wolff said: “I had it on my radar Lewis would go. I couldn’t understand why he’d change to another team before we knew if we were going to be competitive.
“It also didn’t give me time to react. I possibly missed out on negotiating with other drivers who signed deals a few weeks earlier, like Leclerc and Norris.
“But do I take that personally? This was just a business decision.
“We’ve enjoyed such a successful journey together, now we have our own objectives. This didn’t even move the needle for me.
“I’m thick-skinned. I’ve had some pretty tough moments in my life and this doesn’t compare.”
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Hamilton departs at the end of the season after more than a decade under Wolff’s guidance as he goes off in search of an eighth world crown.
The 39-year-old secured six of his seven titles with the help of the Austrian team principal since the pair arrived at Merc in 2013.
His stint with them is the longest by a driver at a single constructor in F1 history — surpassing Michael Schumacher’s 11 Ferrari seasons.
But the Brit has struggled to compete since being cruelly denied a record-setting eighth championship at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In the book, released yesterday, Hamilton said: “I feel like I’m ending a relationship that’s perfectly fine.
“We’re still in love. I haven’t lost faith in the team. I’m leaving for myself.”
Asked about breaking the news to Wolff at his home in Oxford, he added: “It was the hardest meeting I’ve ever had.
“I needed to do it in person because that’s what integrity is all about. But I knew it would be difficult. Ultimately, as humans we’re hurt when things end.
“But I also know that our friendship goes beyond business. That’s how I view it and I hope Toto does, too.”
In the book, Hamilton goes on to describe how he broke the news to his race team at a pre-season paintballing get-together.
He said: “It’s always been a chance for everyone to have some fun.
“So, I arrived in the car park and saw my team waiting to go in. They all looked ready to have a good time.
“I was so nervous about what I had to say that for a few minutes I couldn’t bring myself to get out of the car.
“Everyone was so kind, understanding and so positive. I’m committed to giving my all to this season.
“But later this year, I know there’s a realisation that will hit me hard. I’m not going visit the factory any more or see my team-mates, whom I adore.”
Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane by Matt Whyman, published by Century, is out now. RRP £22.
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