Toto Wolff has tried to clarify a comment he made in a recently published book about Mercedes, saying that it was taken out of context.
Toto Wolff has admitted that a comment he made concerning Lewis Hamilton’s F1 “shelf life” was taken out of context.
Wolff’s recent book Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane addressed Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari.
The Austrian explained, “We’re in a sport where cognitive acuity is critical, and I believe everyone has a shelf life. So I need to consider the next generation.”
Wolff has since moved to defend Hamilton’s driving ability, claiming that the 39-year-old is still “very sharp”.
“You know, that was a little bit taken out of context,” Wolff told BBC Radio 4.
“What I meant was that we all age, whether in a car, on a pitch, or as managers or entrepreneurs.
“That is what I am trying to accomplish with myself: comprehend, ‘Am I going from great to good?’ Because good is no longer in Formula One.
“Now, contrary to my own self-assessment, I believe we see with Lewis that he is quite present when the car is right.
“And we haven’t been able to provide him with the car he needs to perform at his best, which is a source of frustration for both the team and himself.
“But he’s extremely sharp. He is clearly changed from when he was 20 years old. But his experience and race craft are incredible.”
Hamilton will be replaced at Mercedes next year by 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, who has been involved with the team for several years through its youth programs.
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