Lewis Hamilton is unarguably one of the greats of Formula 1. He was the first and only black driver in Formula 1 and the only one to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championships.
The Ferrari driver has made a huge name for himself in this sport purely through his skill, personality and his dedication to the craft. However, many believe that his drive has decreased since his championship loss in 2021.
Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s ex-team principal, also commented on the Brit’s supposedly waning performance, which didn’t sit well with Hamilton himself.
Toto Wolff comments on Hamilton’s ‘shelf life’
Lewis Hamilton was Mercedes’ star driver from 2013 to 2024. He won six championships with the team, with his seventh also coming from a Mercedes engine.
He has made a lasting impact on the team, including team principal Toto Wolff. However, at the start of 2024, Hamilton dropped the bomb. He announced his signing with Ferrari starting with the year 2025, which came as a surprise to everybody, including Toto Wolff himself.
However, Hamilton signed with Ferrari because he was only given a ‘one-plus-one’ year contract extension with Mercedes. Toto Wolff had an explanation for this situation.
Toto Wolff clarifies Lewis Hamilton ‘shelf life’ remark as Mercedes career end nears
— Toto Wolff clarified his comments about Lewis Hamilton’s “shelf life,” emphasizing that they were not a reflection of the driver’s abilities declining.
“That was taken a little bit out of… pic.twitter.com/Mr11bVcSAm
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) November 19, 2024
“There’s a reason why we signed a ‘one-plus-one’ year contract. We’re in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life. So I need to look at the next generation,” explained Wolff.
Lewis Hamilton is the reason for Mercedes’ numerous constructors’ titles, hence, this comment was deemed disrespectful by the fans.
However, Toto Wolff has since then clarified that his comments were not aimed at Hamilton’s performance.
The 7x WDC himself has now responded to this comment and his response was nothing but sharp and straightforward.
Lewis Hamilton responds to Toto Wolff’s comments
Ahead of the 2025 F1 season, Lewis Hamilton, in a recent interview with TIME, had a few words about his ‘shelf life’.
“Don’t ever compare me to anybody else. I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey.”
“You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula 1 driver in history. Because they are nothing like me.”
Lewis Hamilton had a strong response to being compared to other athletes at age 40.
(via TIME) pic.twitter.com/cJ24doBeZr
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) February 27, 2025
“I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing and that’s winning. That’s my no.1 priority.”
Hamilton’s words carry a lot of truth. He still holds several unbroken records to his name, including the one for most wins. His journey itself to the sport hasn’t been easy. He was a victim of severe bullying and racism, which still affects him to this day.
Lewis Hamilton’s current priority is doing his best to win his record-breaking 8th championship, which he hopes to achieve with Ferrari. The pre-season tests have demonstrated very satisfying results with the SF-25. Hamilton’s main goal is to let his driving do the talking and he’s eager to prove it again this coming season.
