Wolff Denies Hamilton Checked Out Before Ferrari Switch

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has defended Lewis Hamilton against claims that he mentally checked out during the 2024 Formula 1 season, stating that Hamilton remained professional despite a challenging year that saw him finish seventh overall. Speculation arose after Hamilton's cryptic radio message following a disappointing race in Sao Paulo, leading some, including journalist Ben Hunt, to suggest he was already focused on his upcoming move to Ferrari. Wolff, however, emphasized that Hamilton's performance remained strong on race days, and he believes the driver was not distracted by his future plans. Meanwhile, Wolff clarified that while he publicly courted Max Verstappen as a potential replacement for Hamilton, there was never a formal plan to sign him, ultimately opting for Kimi Antonelli instead. Verstappen expressed his commitment to Red Bull, describing it as his “second family” and indicating that he is not considering leaving the team anytime soon. The dynamics of the driver market continue to evolve as Mercedes prepares for the upcoming season without Hamilton.