The 2025 Formula 1 season has kicked off with a flurry of activity and surprises, none more intriguing than the sight of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in red for Ferrari.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who witnessed Hamilton's historic reign at Mercedes firsthand, admitted to feeling a unique sense of emotion watching his former driver compete for a rival team.
A Complex Mixture of Emotions
"When I was looking at the screens, at times, the way I looked at it is like we had three drivers because I was looking at RUS (George Russell), I was looking at ANT (Andrea Kimi Antonelli) and I was looking at HAM," Wolff revealed. "And then you realise, well HAM is actually with Ferrari and is not with us anymore."
This candid admission highlights the enduring bond between Wolff and Hamilton, despite their parting ways after a highly successful twelve-year partnership.
While professional obligations dictate that Mercedes focus on beating its competitors, the team principal confessed to naturally caring about Hamilton's performance.
Hamilton's Ferrari Debut: A Slow Start
However, Hamilton's debut for Ferrari in Melbourne was far from triumphant.
Qualifying eighth and finishing tenth in the race, the Scuderia displayed a surprising lack of pace, leaving fans and pundits questioning their competitiveness this season.
"It was such a long time, it's logical, you cannot just say he's gone, and you don't care anymore," Wolff acknowledged.
"You very much care how he's doing but obviously on track, he's the competition and we need to beat the competition."
Mercedes Needs Improvement: Closing the Gap
While Mercedes showed signs of progress in Australia with Russell finishing third and Antonelli claiming fourth, Wolff remained realistic about the team's current position.
"I think it's a solid first weekend, but looking at it always from the glass half-empty side, you have to say that the pace of the McLaren is just very strong," he stated.
"We need to get better if we want to fight on merit for race victories and for a championship, there is definitely something which we need to find."
Specifically, Wolff pointed to tire management as a key area where Mercedes needs improvement, citing the ability of McLaren (who secured victory with Lando Norris) and Red Bull to keep their tires within the optimal operating window.
The 2025 F1 Season: A New Chapter
With the first race behind us, the 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be a captivating battle.
While Ferrari's performance remains uncertain, Mercedes will undoubtedly be pushing hard to reclaim their position at the front of the grid.