Wolff: We don't feel any hangover after Hamilton left

The Hamilton brand combined with Ferrari's is a topic everyone has been talking about ever since the seven-time Formula 1 champion's move to Maranello was announced early in 2024, and early proof was the increase in the value of Ferrari shares on the stock market just after the announcement.

Fast forward to 2025, and Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari's HQ at Via Abetone Inferiore 4 was an example of how to play the media image game, both by the driver and the team.

But with Hamilton now at Ferrari, Mercedes have naturally lost the ability to leverage their former driver's image to attract sponsors and new commercial partnerships, but Wolff insists his team is still doing well in that regard.

Speaking at an event where Mercedes launched their latest partnership with Adidas, Wolff was asked about the effects of the split with Hamilton.

He reflected: "It was right for both of us. I think when you see Lewis in his first appearances at Ferrari, this picture in front of Enzo Ferrari's house, it's iconic. Lewis with his sense of style, and I've told him.

"And at the same time, us embarking on a different route, trying to reinvent ourselves with a young driver—in addition to George, who isn't mentioned enough. We have a senior, accomplished driver that has won races, and this new kid coming up.

"I think it was a refresh for both of us," the 53-year-old Austrian insisted, claiming that Mercedes are still attractive to sponsors despite Hamilton not being around.

"It doesn't get much better [Adidas coming on board] in terms of iconic brands in the field of sport," Wolff claimed. "It's testament to the trust that this team has going forward.

"When I discussed Lewis going and Kimi coming with the CEO [Ola Källenius], he said, 'This is so exciting. Let's go on the next generation!'

"And this is how we feel in the team. We have a strong vibe with the partners that are with us and want to come to the team, so we don't feel any hangover," Wolff concluded.

Mercedes have George Russell now leading their F1 charge for the 2025 season with rookie Kimi Antonelli alongside him. Valtteri Bottas was signed as a reserve.