MAX SECRECY
Moment Toto Wolff gets set to break Lewis Hamilton promise in behind-the-scenes clip on Netflix’s Drive to Survive
Wolff eventually decided on a surprise successor
TOTO WOLFF broke his pact with Lewis Hamilton not to approach Max Verstappen about joining Mercedes.
Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton has switched from the Silver Arrows to Ferrari for the new 2025 season.
4
4
4
Hamilton's shock move is the subject of a new episode in Netflix's hugely popular behind-the-scenes documentary series Drive to Survive.
The 40-year-old announced he was leaving Mercedes after 13 years last February, stunning the world of F1.
And Wolff was discussing plans for looking at new drivers with his wife Susie after Hamilton penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.
In the clip, Wolff and Susie are on the balcony of their home in Monaco.
READ MORE ON F1
The pair are debating who to replace Hamilton with - and whether George Russell is good enough to become Mercedes' lead driver.
As revealed by the Netflix cameras, Wolff said: "Carlos [Sainz] is somebody to look at. He's had some really good performances.
"Fernando [Alonso]? I mean, race pace, racecraft is still very good."
Susie pointed out Alonso, 43, would not constitute a "new era."
Most read in Motorsport
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
She then asks her husband: "You don't think Max is an option?"
Toto replied: "I think he is. But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is.
Inside Lewis Hamilton's first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing
"I haven't spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn't talk to him.
"But I will have the conversation now."
Despite regular chats with Jos Verstappen, he was ultimately unsuccessful, and the 27-year-old opted to remain with Red Bull for the remainder of the ground effect era.
Hamilton and Verstappen were embroiled in a bitter rivalry that came to a head during their historic title race in 2021.
The Dutchman won his first crown in one of the most controversial ends to a sporting event.
Hamilton was on course for victory in the final race of the season, only for a safety car to be deployed on lap 54 after Williams' Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers.
The Brit was leading the race by over ten seconds prior to the safety car, which ultimately allowed Verstappen to hone in on his rival.
Verstappen then used his fresher tyres after he pitted to edge in front of the seven-time world champ.
He was able to close the gap after stewards unprecedentedly decided to allow lapped cars to pass Hamilton, leaving the Dutchman with clear track in front of him.
Race director Michael Masi was axed following his failure to follow safety car rules in the Abu Dhabi GP finale, costing Hamilton the title.
Mercedes' protests were rejected and Verstappen took home the most controversial crown to date.
Hamilton and Verstappen have since become cordial and get along OK.
After failing to land the Red Bull four-time world champ last season, Wolff changed his approach.
Mercedes opted for youngster Kimi Antonelli to step into Hamilton's shoes with Russell as lead driver.
F1 2025 grid
Here are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan
RB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar
Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon
Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes junior team for five years and began karting at the age of just seven.
Ahead of his F1 debut, he told the BBC Sport: "I don't feel like his replacement.
"I just feel like a Mercedes F1 driver. But it's such a great opportunity."
Hamilton drove his new Ferrari car in Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener in Melbourne next week.
And he insists there is "no bad blood" between himself and Mercedes after the split.
Speaking to Magazine, Hamilton said: "There is no bad blood.
"Absolutely not. We won so many championships.
"They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more World Championships.
Read More on The Sun
"I have no doubt."
Elsewhere on the new episode of Drive to Survive, Red Bull boss Christian Horner hit back in the wake of his sexting scandal.
4
Topics