Wolff clarifies ‘shelf life’ comment, insists Hamilton not past prime

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has clarified his recent comments about Lewis Hamilton’s “shelf life,” insisting that he was not suggesting the seven-time world champion is past his prime.

In a recently released book entitled 'Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane' , which offers a remarkable behind-the-scenes account of life inside the Silver Arrows squad, Wolff sheds light on his contract talks with Hamilton that took place over the summer of 2023.

Eventually, in a bid to maintain a degree of flexibility, the two parties agreed to extend their collaboration but only for a single year, with an option – exercisable by both – for 2025.

“There's a reason why we only signed a one-plus-one-year contract,” Wolff told the book’s author Matt Whyman.

“We're in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life.”

• Read also: How Wolff found relief in Hamilton’s move to Ferrari

The comment, coupled with Hamilton’s upcoming departure and a mixed 2024 season that included two wins alongside lackluster performances, led many to speculate that Wolff believed the 39-year-old was in decline.

However, in an interview with the BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Wolff firmly rejected this interpretation, explaining that his statement was not directed specifically at Hamilton.

"You know that was taken a little bit out of context," he explained.

“What I was referring to is that, all of us, we age, whether it is in being in a car or on a pitch or as a manager or an entrepreneur.

“And this is what I’m trying to do with myself, to understand am I going from great to good, because good is not in Formula 1 any more.”

Wolff emphasized that Hamilton remains one of the sport’s best, especially when provided with the right machinery.

“Contrary to my own self-assessment, I think we see with Lewis that he’s very much there when the car is right, and we haven’t been able to give him that car for him to perform best,” he said.

“And that is a frustration that we equally have in the team and for himself."

The Austrian also praised Hamilton’s adaptability and vast experience.

“He’s very sharp. He’s different to when he was a 20-year-old, that’s certainly clear, but his experience and his racecraft is tremendous,” the Mercedes chief said.

With Hamilton’s Mercedes tenure nearing its end and 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli set to fill his seat, Wolff’s remarks underscore the team’s ongoing respect for the seven-time world champion, even as a new chapter begins.

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