F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 Practice 1 And Practice 2
Lewis Hamilton is still adapting to life at Ferrari
Toto Wolff believes that Mercedes are ‘really having fun’ with the arrivals of Kimi Antonelli and the returning Valtteri Bottas this season. A new dynamic is forming within the Silver Arrows’ camp after Lewis Hamilton’s exit. Hamilton was the central figure in the Mercedes team for over a decade before his surprise move to Ferrari was announced in February 2024.
Now, George Russell is the lead driver with 18-year-old rookie team-mate Antonelli injecting new life into the Brackley-based squad.
Wolff’s organisation have also benefited from the expertise of Bottas, who won 10 Grands Prix driving for the Silver Arrows before he was dropped to make room for Russell at the end of the 2021 campaign. The Finnish racer is a much more laid-back figure in 2025 after his personality was unleashed throughout his Sauber career.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about the impact that Bottas and Antonelli have had on the Brackley-based squad, Wolff said: “Yeah, we are really having fun, to be honest. And that isn’t the case because Lewis is gone – we had lovely moments and a lot of fun with Lewis, too.
“But with the new energy with an 18-year-old in the car, there is almost like an easiness that we have, and then George brings in the lap times. And Valtteri is a contributor, clearly. Especially on those smooth tarmacs, he was a superstar back at Mercedes.
“And he’s coaching him – Kimi’s listening, you know, sometimes Formula One drivers don’t think that they can learn from others. Kimi is open-minded – they talk about how to handle the tyres, how to bring them in.
Ahead of Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix
Toto Wolff and Mercedes are enjoying a fresh energy
Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 news
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“And Valtteri seems to be enjoying himself whilst, of course, seeking another race seat opportunity. But we love him. He’s doing the same work, he’s putting in the hours, and he’s developing next year’s car, so it’s strong.”
The relaxed atmosphere is producing on-track results, too. Russell has started the 2025 campaign in immense form, scoring podiums in three of the first four races, only finishing behind McLaren drivers on those occasions.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Unfortunately for Hamilton, the mood is not quite as positive at Ferrari. The Scuderia were the talk of the F1 community over the winter, but the seven-time world champion is having trouble adapting to his new machinery, and is yet to score a top-four finish. Team-mate Charles Leclerc is also having difficulties.
After a challenging start to the weekend in Jeddah, he said: “Normally, on Saturday, it goes backwards, but there’s not a lot of backwards for me to go from where I am. Hopefully, overnight, we will make some improvements to the car.
There were a few bits through the session that felt good, and just once we get to the soft tyre, it’s not there.”
Leave a Reply