Wolff: Hamilton's Ferrari photos were iconic

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes to Ferrari early in the 2024 season which put an end to an ultra-successful relationship that started back in 2013, which yielded six Drivers' and eight Constructors' Championships.

Hamilton made his Ferrari debut back in January 20, with a photo in front of Enzo Ferrari's house in Maranello standing alongside his favorite Ferrari supercar, the legendary F40, the final car that was signed off by Enzo.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Wolff was asked about his feelings now that Hamilton had finally made his first appearance as a Ferrari driver; he said: "It's a little bit like you divorce amicably, and it's all good, and then you see your partner for the first time with a new friend!

"But I'm really happy for him, and I told him that those pictures were iconic that he made—it was so well curated, and no surprise with Lewis," he added.

Moving on to Mercedes' 2024 F1 season, Hamilton's final one with the team driving their W15, and given their struggles since the start of the current F1 regulations, the Austrian commented: "We were scratching our head a lot last year, particularly in the beginning.

"Like all the other teams, we had ups and downs; we had some very dominant performances and then other races that were not so good.

"At the end of the day, when the flag drops, we're going to see in qualifying in Melbourne where we stand," Wolff said of the Mercedes W16 that will break cover on February 24 before its shakedown in Bahrain one day later.

Hamilton, who won two races with Mercedes in his final season—Silverstone and Spa—was replaced by the team's junior driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will partner incumbent George Russell.

"He's been in the team, integrated for such a long time," Wolff said of Antonelli's integration within the team.

"We've known him since he was 11, and in that respect, he's been prepared; he's ready to go, and he can't wait," he concluded.