Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has insisted that the team’s new partnership with Adidas has shown that it isn’t enduring a “hangover” from Lewis Hamilton’s exit.
Hamilton’s decision to pen a move to Ferrari brought the curtain down on an illustrious association with Mercedes that had produced six Drivers’ titles and 84 victories.
But while Hamilton added to his win count with a record ninth success on home soil, the Briton’s last campaign with Mercedes proved to have more low points than high.
Hamilton has since admitted that he is convinced he has made the right choice to head to Ferrari, citing that remaining with Mercedes would’ve been the bigger gamble.
With Mercedes beginning a new era with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, alongside George Russell, Wolff has concurred with the seven-time F1 champion’s assessment.
“It was right for both of us,” Wolff told Sky Sports at a Mercedes event with Adidas.
“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.
“At the same time, we are 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.”
Mercedes has no ‘hangover’ from Hamilton’s exit
Hamilton’s initial photo donning Ferrari’s red overalls garnered several million likes across social media, earning the side’s partners an estimated $412,000 in combined revenue.
However, Wolff believes that Mercedes’ deal with sportswear brand Adidas proves that the German marque will have no trouble attracting sponsors in Hamilton’s absence.
“It doesn’t get much better (than Adidas) in terms of iconic brands in the field of sport,” he said. “It’s a testament to the trust that this team has going forward.
“When I discussed Lewis going and Kimi coming with the CEO, he said: ‘This is so exciting. Let’s go on the next generation!’
“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 has revealed that Hamilton has even approved Adidas replacing Puma as the eight-time Constructors’ Champions apparel provider on a long-term agreement.
“Lewis said that it’s probably the sports brand with the most cultural relevance. He had a crying and a laughing knowing that we were going to Adidas,” Wolff quipped.
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