Toto Wolff Reflects On Having Three Drivers During Australian Grand Prix Weekend

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During the Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff felt as though he was managing three drivers. This sensation arose from closely monitoring Lewis Hamilton's progress alongside his own team's drivers. Hamilton, who had been with Mercedes for 12 years and won six of his seven World Championships there, moved to Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.

Wolff admitted that while watching the race screens, he often found himself tracking Hamilton's performance along with those of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. "When I was looking at the screens, at times, the way I looked at it is like we had three drivers because I was looking at RUS, I was looking at ANT and I was looking at HAM," said Wolff. "And then you realise, well HAM is actually with Ferrari and is not with us anymore."

Andrea Kimi Antonelli stepped in to fill Hamilton's shoes at Mercedes, partnering with George Russell. Both drivers had a commendable start to the season, securing third and fourth places respectively in the opening race. Despite this promising beginning, Wolff acknowledged being distracted by Hamilton's presence on the track.

Hamilton's debut race for Ferrari didn't go as planned; he finished 10th after starting in eighth position. His teammate Charles Leclerc managed to secure an eighth-place finish. Despite their separation, Wolff suggested that emotional ties to Hamilton remain strong within Mercedes.

Reflecting on Mercedes' performance, Wolff expressed satisfaction with their start but noted areas needing improvement. "I think it's a solid first weekend," he stated. However, he acknowledged McLaren's impressive pace as a challenge they must overcome to compete effectively for victories and championships.

"It was such a long time," Wolff remarked about Hamilton's tenure with Mercedes. "It's logical; you cannot just say he's gone and you don't care anymore." He emphasised that while they still care about Hamilton's performance, he is now a competitor they must strive to beat on track.

Mercedes aims to improve its performance after struggling in recent seasons. The team acknowledges that significant enhancements are necessary if they wish to contend for race wins and championship titles against strong competitors like McLaren.