Wolff: Current F1 regulations don’t suit Hamilton

Hamilton departed Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, marking the end of a dominant era that saw the Briton claim six of his F1 world titles with Wolff's Mercedes team between 2014 and 2020.

However, the introduction of the new technical regulations in 2022 coincided with a sharp decline in Mercedes’ performance, limiting Hamilton to just two race wins over three seasons.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Wolff acknowledged Mercedes’ inability to provide Hamilton with a competitive car during the latest regulatory cycle: “We didn’t manage that. To date, we are simply not able to bring consistent performance to the car and give the drivers something predictable, with enough downforce, acceptable handling, and controlled tyre wear.”

Despite finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship in 2023 and third in 2022, Mercedes slumped to fourth in 2024. For Hamilton, it was an especially tough season, as he ended the year seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, the lowest finish of his illustrious career.

Hamilton’s difficulties with the new generation of Formula 1 cars were highlighted in his qualifying performances against teammate George Russell. In 2024, Hamilton lost the head-to-head battle 19–5, with Russell outqualifying him in nine of the ten sessions after the summer break.

Wolff explained that the characteristics of the new cars played a significant role: “This generation of cars doesn’t suit Lewis. He brakes late and hits the car aggressively into corners. The tyres and car can’t always cope with that stress. Sometimes it’s better to drive at 98 percent. This is more noticeable in qualifying than during races.”

Hamilton’s struggles in comparison to Russell prompted speculation that Mercedes had favoured their younger driver in 2024, a claim the team has repeatedly denied.

Mercedes Technical Director James Allison said: “The cars are identical. The use of engines is identical. If the cars are set up differently, it’s because the engineering teams on both sides of the garage have decided to do so. But they have the option to use identical material if they want.”

Wolff also dismissed the unequal cars theories as “myths,” insisting that Hamilton remained fully committed to Mercedes in 2024 despite announcing his move to Ferrari before the season began: “Lewis is too professional for that. He did not give up on the season prematurely. Lewis could have continued fighting for victories and world titles if we’d provided him with the car to do so."

Now 40, Hamilton enters 2025 with Ferrari, seeking to add an eighth world title to his record-equalling tally. While his final years at Mercedes may not have matched the heights of his dominance between 2014 and 2021, Wolff maintains that Hamilton’s legacy remains intact.

As Hamilton embarks on what is likely the final chapter of his career, the Formula 1 world will be watching closely to see if Ferrari can deliver the “happy ending” the Briton desires.