Lewis Hamilton‘s first year at Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season has been fraught with difficulties, as the seven-time world champion has yet to secure a podium finish or a race victory. Despite growing doubts within the sport about Hamilton’s capabilities, especially as he approaches 41, former Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has publicly reaffirmed Hamilton’s “GOAT” status while encouraging him to continue competing in Formula 1.
Ongoing Challenges for Hamilton in His Debut Ferrari Season
Hamilton’s 2025 campaign with Ferrari has been marked by persistent setbacks and underwhelming results, with the veteran driver vocal about the technical issues plaguing the Italian team. The struggles on track, particularly in the races leading up to the summer break, have intensified scrutiny of Hamilton’s performances. At times, the frustration reached the point where Hamilton even suggested the team might consider replacing him to seek better outcomes.
Despite this, Toto Wolff rejected the notion that these obstacles diminish Hamilton’s standing in the sport. Wolff explained that Hamilton’s recent criticism of himself stems from an emotional transparency he has exhibited since his youth. Rather than a self-defeating attitude, Wolff sees Hamilton’s candidness as a part of his competitive spirit and insistence on high standards.
That is Lewis wearing his heart on his sleeve. That is what he thought very much when he was asked after the session. It was a low session. We had it in the past when he felt that he underperformed his own expectations and his teammate was on pole. He’s been emotionally transparent since he was a young boy. He’s got to build himself up.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by GPBlog
Wolff Reaffirms Hamilton’s Status as the Greatest of All Time
While Hamilton’s current season has fallen short of expectations, Wolff strongly emphasized that no recent poor race results can overshadow the Briton’s legacy in Formula 1. The 53-year-old Austrian insisted that Hamilton remains the greatest driver the sport has ever seen, affirming that his record and achievements are secure despite a challenging year.
He’s the GOAT (the Greatest Of All Time), and he will always be the GOAT, and nobody’s going to take that away from him, for sure not a single weekend or a race season that hasn’t gone to plan. That’s something he needs to always remember. That he is the greatest of all time.
Toto Wolff added
Wolff Urges Hamilton to Delay Retirement and Face Upcoming Changes
Hamilton, approaching 41, is expected to race for a few more seasons before considering retirement as a Ferrari driver. However, the technical challenges he has faced in this era of ground-effect cars have been a major hurdle. Looking ahead, Wolff encouraged Hamilton not to leave Formula 1 prematurely, highlighting that significant regulatory changes and new power units arriving in 2026 may better suit Hamilton’s driving style and offer a chance to rekindle his competitiveness.
Lewis has unfinished business in Formula 1. I never got happy with the ground effect cars. Maybe it’s linked to driving style. So, he shouldn’t go anywhere. Next year brand new cars, completely different to drive, and with new power units. And I hope he stays on for many more years and certainly next year is going to be important.
Toto Wolff noted
Looking Ahead: Hamilton’s Future and the Potential for a Strong Comeback
Hamilton’s poor results in 2025 contrast sharply with his historic career, yet history shows he thrives on challenges and often emerges stronger after setbacks. Fans and observers will be watching closely as the season progresses, anticipating whether the seven-time world champion can overcome the current difficulties and adapt to the forthcoming changes in Formula 1 machinery and regulations. Wolff’s comments underscore the belief that Hamilton’s story in F1 is far from over and that his pursuit of an eighth world title remains a realistic goal.