Toto Wolff: Lewis Hamilton leaving for Ferrari has “no effect” on Frederic Vasseur relationship

Toto Wolff has insisted he still has “great respect” for Frederic Vasseur and his relationship with the Ferrari boss is unaffected despite Lewis Hamilton’s decision to switch F1 teams. 

Hamilton rocked the F1 world last week when his shock move from Mercedes to Ferrari for 2025 was announced.

It means Hamilton’s 12-season stint with Mercedes will come to an end at the end of this season.

Wolff is good friends with the Ferrari team principal, but Vasseur stealing Mercedes’ prized asset won’t impact their friendship.

“I have great respect for Fred. Not only as a racing manager but also as a long-time friend,” he said.

“But when he took the role in Ferrari, it was clear that he needs to do the best he can for Ferrari and use every opportunity in order to do that. So there is no bad feeling towards Fred trying to get the best, the best employees, the best drivers.

“So that has no effect on the relationship. It is a tough competition. It is a cut-throat environment. And as much as I try to do the best for our group, he will do that for Ferrari."

Wolff is very confident Hamilton will have a good rapport with his new team boss, particularly as their relationship stretches back to the British driver’s days in GP2.

"[We've spoke] numerous times. We've coordinated on our communications and I speak to him multiple times every week. It’s a little bit like rugby. We punch each other in the nose but we are able to get off the pitch and have a respectful relationship," Wolff added.

"As for Lewis, clearly the timing was surprising to us too. I guess what he tried to do is maybe give us a long time to decide what we want to do going forward for next year.

"I have no doubt that Fred will we be able to have a very good relationship with Lewis as his boss. No doubt about that. They’ve known each other for more than 20 years, he’s raced in ART. Fred understands racing driver’s minds.

“He does things very differently to me. But they’re very successful, like his track record shows."