Wolff offers cheeky ‘girlfriend’ theory on Hamilton turnaround

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Lewis Hamilton’s revival at Ferrari has prompted plenty of theories. Better understanding of the car? Improved chemistry with the team? Seven-time world champion doing seven-time world champion things?

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has another idea – and it comes with a knowing smile.

Fresh from claiming his first Grand Prix victory in Ferrari red in Barcelona, Hamilton has suddenly transformed from a driver battling adaptation issues into a genuine title contender.

After consecutive podiums in Canada and Monaco, the Briton delivered a statement win in Spain, finishing nearly 20 seconds clear of George Russell.

Asked about his former driver’s spectacular resurgence, Wolff pointed to a combination of technical, professional and personal factors.

“I think, hard work,” he began.

“This is a car that is maybe different to the previous era cars, with the bouncing, with the stiffness, maybe not easy to feel, and this is back to more a conventional driving, in terms of I would say at least aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics.

“Obviously, the engine management is completely different, but you can see he’s driving strong.”

Wolff also highlighted the apparent harmony developing inside Ferrari.

“The dynamics in the team look to be good between him and his race engineer.”

So far, so predictable. Then came the comment that is likely to generate more headlines than any discussion about aerodynamics.

The ‘girlfriend effect’?

Watching Hamilton celebrate on the podium, Wolff noticed something beyond just another trophy.

“I saw him on the podium on the telly,” he said. “That face shows me that he’s very happy. Maybe the girlfriend helps. It helped me to have a partner, that you have a stable family life, and they seem to be getting on really well.”

The remark was an unmistakable nod to Hamilton’s widely reported relationship with Kim Kardashian, who made her first race appearance supporting the Ferrari driver in Monaco.

Wolff, speaking from experience with wife Susie Wolff, believes success often comes when every aspect of life is pulling in the same direction.

“I think it’s all of those factors that put together, the emotional and the personal and professional perspective, if they are in a good place, you win.”

Ferrari may have spent millions developing its car. But if Wolff is right, Hamilton’s most valuable recent upgrade didn’t come from Maranello’s wind tunnel.

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