In the Back At Base podcast, George Russell unveiled the moment Lewis Hamilton informed Toto Wolff of the news about Ferrari. The 7-time world champion sent shockwaves to F1 by announcing his decision to join the Italian team, Ferrari, just a few months after extending his contract with Mercedes, which includes a break clause after the 2024 season.

The announcement startled Toto Wolff, yet it offered ample time to find a Mercedes star driver’s replacement. Meanwhile, George Russell has emerged as a pivotal part of the team, and it is an excellent opportunity to showcase his talent.

George Russell’s revelation about Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari conversation with Toto Wolff

After returning from a Christmas break, Brit dropped a bombshell on his Mercedes team. His announcement made headlines all over the world. There was news that the seven-time world champion would cause a shocking move to Ferrari in the 2025 season. Speculations sparked among his fans and within the F1 community, prompting questions like what made him switch the team?

According to the Back At Base podcast, on 31st January, he met Toto Wolf for a faithful breakfast at his Oxford home. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s representative submitted legal papers for Mercedes Headquarters in Brackley. He announced that he was activating the release clause in his contract and leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season. After 11 years with Mercedes, he made a significant move to Ferrari, signaling a new chapter in his racing career.

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The Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, had to navigate the unexpected news from his star driver. During the podcast, he said, “I was in shock of the timing; the sheer fact didn’t come as a shock. It was more Why now?” When asked about how Hamilton broke the news to him, Toto Wolff responded, “I saw that something is bothering him. We’ve been together for more than 10 years, and we’ve had a friendly relationship, and then you got to break this news.”

On the other hand, on the podcast, Brit’s teammate George Russell also shared his reaction upon encountering the news for the first time. He responded, “I stayed at Toto’s the night before and Lewis came over for breakfast the following day… I had an event to go to. I left early. And Toto called me an hour later. You would not believe what is just being told. I was very surprised, to be honest, because Lewis is got such a legacy with Mercedes…It’s a bold move.”

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Hence, the Mercedes driver’s decision shocked his teammates and the F1 world. Mercedes seeks a replacement in 2025 after Hamilton’s Ferrari move.

The potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton

The 39-year-old driver’s surprising decision to leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season leaves a vacancy for the 2025 F1 season. The timing of Charles Leclerc’s new long-term contract with Ferrari and Lando Norris’s extension with McLaren has put Mercedes in a predicament. However, the team principal of Mercedes, Toto Wolff, said to SkySports.com, “Maybe it’s a chance to do something bold.”

There are no apparent favorites, but Alex Albon is one contender. Although his contract with Williams expires in 2025, likely release clauses exist. Russell and Albon’s appearances in 2019 share an excellent off-track rapport. Another possibility could be Sebastian Vettel; as per speculations, he might return to F1. He didn’t rule out the idea, referring to conditions like timing and competitiveness. Mercedes possibility appears. Another contender is Carlos Sainz. If Mercedes considers a direct exchange with Ferrari feasible, Sainz becomes a prominent option.

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Thus, there are other potential contenders in the list of F1. Besides, Mercedes has plenty of time to choose their possible replacement. Gear up for the 2024 showdown! Who will seize Mercedes’ throne? Stay tuned and watch for the speed surge!