Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton: “He deserves the win”

With his Grand Prix victory in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton has secured his place in the history books of the world’s oldest Formula 1 team. The seven-time world champion has thus joined the exclusive group of drivers who have won a Grand Prix in a Maranello-built car. He had to wait a long time for this triumph. As we recall, in his first year with the Italian Scuderia, he didn’t even make it onto the Grand Prix podium. He finished the 2025 season in sixth place in the World Championship.

The former serial winner’s 106th Grand Prix victory was therefore celebrated frenetically by the Ferrari team members. And the competition also shared in the 41-year-old’s joy and that of his team, as evidenced by the comments from rival drivers and team principals. Even Toto Wolff, who had had to let the Briton move to the Italians after twelve years together at Mercedes and many triumphs, affirmed: “I’m very happy for him and offer my heartfelt congratulations.”

No easy job at the helm of Ferrari

“Lewis has worked so hard and had to go through so many difficult moments, especially last year. And I’ve always said that if we don’t take the win, it should be Lewis who wins. He fought hard for this victory and therefore deserves it. Of course, you could say that the virtual safety car phase played into his hands. But that’s just the way it is in racing,” added the Viennese driver.

Wolff was also delighted for team principal Fred Vasseur. “Fred has also had a difficult time and he’s my friend, even if he gets on my nerves now and then, and we sometimes annoy each other. When you’re leading the Ferrari team, the pressure is immense, which is why I’m delighted for him. I’m relieved, because this is something close to my heart,” emphasised the 54-year-old Austrian.

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