Toto Wolff has risen to defend Lewis Hamilton amidst the Briton’s recent struggles at Ferrari, urging critics not to discount the seven-time World Champion’s legacy. Despite a turbulent Hungarian Grand Prix weekend — including a Q2 elimination, a 12th-place finish, and emotionally raw self-assessment — Wolff remains resolute in his belief that Hamilton is still the sport’s Greatest of All Time. He asserted that Hamilton’s remarks, though harsh, were an honest expression of his internal frustrations and high personal standards.
Hamilton, who labeled himself “absolutely useless” and hinted Ferrari might “need a new driver,” has shown vulnerability rarely seen from the F1 icon. Following his disappointing outing at the Hungaroring, he admitted he was eager for a break due to off-track issues. Wolff interpreted the remarks as typical of Hamilton’s emotional transparency — a trait he’s exhibited throughout his career, especially during periods of underperformance. According to Wolff, Hamilton is his own harshest critic and tends to internalize failure in a deeply personal manner.
Despite recent challenges, Wolff emphasized that Hamilton’s achievements and talent remain unparalleled. With six of his seven world titles earned during their time at Mercedes, Wolff insisted that one lackluster season or difficult stint cannot erase Hamilton’s legacy. He argued that greatness isn’t defined by isolated performances, and Hamilton’s status as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) is untouchable regardless of his current form with Ferrari.
Wolff also spoke of Hamilton’s “unfinished business” in Formula 1, pointing out how the controversial ending of the 2021 season — where Max Verstappen snatched the title in Abu Dhabi — left Hamilton without his record-breaking eighth crown. He believes both Hamilton and Mercedes have been unsettled by the challenges brought on by the sport’s latest regulatory changes. However, Wolff views the 2026 overhaul as a prime opportunity for Hamilton to mount a resurgence, as the sport shifts to radically new machinery and power units that could better suit his driving finesse.
Looking ahead, Wolff made it clear that Hamilton should remain on the grid in 2026 and beyond. He stressed that with a car engineered to his liking — one that communicates effectively and inspires confidence — Hamilton remains capable of adding another title to his record. While the Ferrari package hasn’t delivered that harmony so far, Wolff is adamant that Hamilton’s capabilities haven’t waned. “If the car meets him halfway,” he concluded, “he still has everything it takes to become World Champion again.”
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