To say that a lot has happened in Formula 1 lately is quite an understatement. For starters, Lewis Hamilton was talked about a lot in the Formula 1 2024 news after he announced his decision to join Ferrari in 2025, which has left mixed feelings for everyone involved.
None could be affected more than Toto Wolff, who has been Hamilton’s Mercedes boss for the past 12 years. And most recently, the Austrian executive shared his thoughts about this.
On the other hand, for the first time in a long while, Red Bull are not off to a great start to the upcoming season, as Christian Horner is in trouble, while Lando Norris recently made a statement that will surely excite his fans at McLaren.
Check out the latest in the world of Formula 1 by reading more below.
Wolff reveals true feelings about Hamilton’s Mercedes departure
Toto Wolff has made it clear that he has no ill feelings towards Lewis Hamilton after he confirmed his shock move to Ferrari. In fact, the Mercedes boss sounds like he is excited to get their “last dance” going soon.
Speaking for the first time since the news broke, the Austrian said that he sat down with Hamilton for breakfast on Wednesday, which was already planned regardless of whether he would move to Ferrari or not.
“What happened is that we got together for coffee in my place at Oxford, with him returning to the factory, and he said to me that he has decided to race for Ferrari in 2025,” said Wolff. “That was basically it, and we had a good hour of conversation, and this is where we are.”
Prior to the seven-time world champion’s bombshell, Hamilton and Wolff were in extension talks. Hamilton reportedly negotiated for a three-year deal, but the Silver Arrows wanted one year instead, with an additional one-year option.
As the talks went on, it felt like the writing was on the wall for both parties. Mercedes wanted to keep their options open since Hamilton is not getting any younger, so with this news, the search for his replacement begins.
There are so many names being thrown around as potential Lewis Hamilton replacements. One of them is Carlos Sainz Jr., who essentially lost his Ferrari seat. Other than the Spaniard, the Silver Arrows are also monitoring the likes of Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff have formed a potent driver-principal championship over the years, as the former won six out of his seven world titles with the Silver Arrows, and they’ve also won eight consecutive constructors’ championships from 2014 to 2021.
Horner under fire for “inappropriate behaviour”
Christian Horner is under external investigation after recent allegations made by a Red Bull staffer about his workplace misconduct. According to reports, the female colleague was complaining about Horner’s “incredibly controlling behaviour”.
The Red Bull principal, who has been one of the most successful team principals in recent years, has denied such claims. Horner also described the accusations as “nuts” as he continues to reiterate his innocence.
Amid ongoing investigations, Horner is still allowed to continue working with the team ahead of the 2024 season. Red Bull are said to launch their latest machine on February 15, before the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Under Horner’s tutelage, Red Bull have been one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 since becoming a full-time constructor in 2005. His star driver, Max Verstappen, is the defending champion for the third year in a row.
Norris makes vital promise after signing new pact
If McLaren are going to be one of the top teams in Formula 1 this upcoming season, it’ll likely be on the back of an extraordinary campaign from Lando Norris, who is capable of having a podium finish in the drivers’ championship, according to the SBOTOP Formula 1 2024 odds.
Norris, who just signed a lucrative extension with the Papayas recently, vows to make it happen, and he said that he’s convinced that they have “everything they need” to mount a significant title challenge.
“It’s both the team’s goal and also just a personal goal that I’ve always had,” said Norris. “Am I convinced I’m capable of doing it? Yes. Am I convinced the team is capable of doing it? Yes.”
Lewis Hamilton is the most recent drivers’ titlist for McLaren, dating back in 2008, while their last constructors’ title dates back to 1998, with David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen leading the way.
Can Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri bring back the glory days? Watch this space.
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