Toto Wolff Clarifies Comments on Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Expiry Date’ Amid Move to Ferrari

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is frustrated that his comments about Lewis Hamilton’s ‘expiry date’ have been taken out of context. The Austrian previously explained that with the Brit’s move to Ferrari, Mercedes has been spared the ‘moment when we have to tell an iconic driver that we want to stop.’ According to Wolff, however, the quotes have been completely misconstrued.

Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025. The German racing team will bid farewell to the seven-time world champion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after more than a decade. Team boss Toto Wolff previously stated in the book Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane that Hamilton’s departure is not just a loss.

“There’s a reason we only signed a one-year contract,” the Austrian said at the time. “We’re in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has an expiry date.” Wolff’s remark about Hamilton’s expiry date soon took on a life of its own in the media. The Austrian is frustrated that the quote has been taken out of context.

‘You know, that was one sentence in a book and there were 99 sentences about the weekend in Brazil where I clearly stated that Lewis Hamilton is the best driver of all time,’ Wolff said to the media in Las Vegas. ‘And that if we can give him a fast car, he will be able to win, he can fight for a championship, but we failed to do that.’

Everyone Has an Expiry Date

However, the Austrian team boss sticks to his belief that everyone has an expiry date, including himself. ‘What I said is that everyone has an expiry date and you don’t want to go from great to good. And that doesn’t exclude the drivers,’ Wolff continues. ‘And it’s still something I stand by.’ At least everything is fine between Wolff and Hamilton, as the Austrian immediately explained the misunderstanding about his statements to the departing champion.