Susie Wolff reveals her honest reaction to Lewis Hamilton's sudden departure from Mercedes to Ferrari

F1 Academy Director Susie Wolff revealed her reaction to Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes when the announcement was made last year. She recalled that her husband, team principal Toto Wolff, was good at managing his emotions; however, she was upset with his decision.

Ferrari shocked the motorsports world last year after they announced Lewis Hamilton's signing for the 2025 F1 season. While the team was letting go of Carlos Sainz's immense skills and competitive pace, they were prepared to welcome the immense experience Hamilton was bringing to the team.

Meanwhile, Hamilton was ending his decade-old stint with Mercedes. He won six World Championships with the team and dominated the F1 grid throughout the early turbo-hybrid era. He worked alongside Toto Wolff all the time, and it was understandably an emotional farewell when he decided to part ways with the team.

Susie Wolff, speaking on the Road to Success podcast, revealed that she was upset with his decision. However, Toto Wolff managed his emotions well.

"But Toto's really good about getting his emotions in check quite quickly," she said. "And even when Lewis left for Ferrari, I got upset quite quickly as to how it was done, but he said, we're going to be okay, you know, we're going to be friends with Lewis, and this is all going to be okay, just give it time. And he's really good at always seeing the bigger picture and not allowing his emotions to overrun."

Lewis Hamilton spent his final season at Mercedes with two race wins and multiple podiums; meanwhile, Ferrari finished second in the Constructors' Championship. The duo looked prepared for 2025, despite the team's overall pace and competitiveness.

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Ferrari might not offer Lewis Hamilton a contract beyond the 2026 F1 season: Reports

The Briton has failed to deliver the expectations that the Tifosi held of him. Understandably, the car has been underperforming compared to its competitors; however, there is also the fact that Charles Leclerc has delivered multiple podiums, while Hamilton's best finish this season is a P4.

While Hamilton's signing to the team was understood to be the team's attempt to clinch their first World Championship since the 2008 season, they are currently struggling to finish the season in second place.

Considering his performance with the team so far, paddock reports claim that Lewis Hamilton might not be given a contract extension beyond the 2026 F1 season at Ferrari. Instead, the team is eyeing rookie Oliver Bearman, especially after his impressive drive in Mexico earlier.

This would seemingly leave Lewis Hamilton without a seat for the future. Moreover, considering Ferrari was expected to be his 'last dance,' he might think about retiring from the sport post his stint with the team.

Edited by Tushhita Barua