Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff says they will try to beat Hamilton next year. Many believe Lewis Hamilton would struggle to adapt to his new team Ferrari. Lewis Signed a multi-year deal with Ferrari after a 12-year-long stint with the Mercedes team, winning 6 world titles.
Hamilton started his career at McLaren F1 and moved to the Mercedes F1 team in 2013. Ferrari will be the third team for the former world champion where he is expected to retire. But McLaren and Mercedes both are from Silverstone and Ferrari is a completely different culture.
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Totos surprise defence
Lewis Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff has defended the former world champion by saying, “I think many people say that it's going to be really difficult. But I think if you say it's going to be really difficult, then often it's the opposite. Ferrari is a great team, great people, and lots of emotions and passion and therefore it is pressure. But I believe they are going to find a way of working with each other.”
Hamilton was also questioned about his decision to move to Ferrari and he replied, “There’s not been a moment where I've questioned it, and I’m not swayed by other people’s comments. And I'll have to just do what I did the previous time. Only you can know what was right for you And it will be an exciting time for me.”
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Wolff also talked about new driver Kimi Antonelli who is going to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Toto says, “Lewis will always be part of our family. But obviously, as a competitor, when we try to beat him next year, Kimi joining George clearly brings momentum with it, Plus youth and freshness.”
2026 will have new engine regulations with 50% ICE and 50% Hybrid power units and many teams have invested in youth considering their long-term future. Young drivers like Kimi Antonelli, Liam Lawson, Franco Colapinto, and Oliver Bearman will be part of the grid.
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