Mercedes Chief Toto Wolff Reveals Dating Advice to Lewis Hamilton

Newsweek

4 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has opened up about his friendship with Lewis Hamilton, revealing how the seven-time Formula One world champion still maintains relationships despite shifting to Ferrari. Wolff also admitted that he offers Hamilton dating advice whenever his opinion is needed.
Hamilton parted ways with Mercedes after the 2024 season to fulfill his dream of racing for the iconic red team. The 12-year partnership with the Brackley-based outfit resulted in friendships that extend beyond his stint with Mercedes.
Wolff's friendship with Hamilton isn't a secret. The strong bond between the two remained despite the Briton's shock announcement of exiting Mercedes early last year. Wolff explained how the rapport continues even though they are now rivals on the racetrack.
He pointed out how Hamilton prioritizes their friendship even today, often flying back after Grand Prix events with him and his former Mercedes teammates Valtteri Bottas and George Russell. Wolff told the Wall Street Journal:
Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey...
Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park on November 15, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. More
Kenan Asyali - Pool/Getty Images
"When he decided to go, it could have been very awkward, borderline hostile, and we actively talked about how to not make it that. All of us made a real effort in trying to be very accommodating, very understanding.
"He's maintained being a friend. He pops up in the office on the weekend! He speaks with the engineers, gets some food. After many Grand Prix, he travels back with me. So we have the old gang: Valtteri Bottas, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and me flying from the races."
When asked if the kind of friendship he shared with Hamilton was unusual in motorsports, Wolff said:
"It's very unusual in any kind of relationship.
"But I tried to be very open and say, 'Listen, on the racetrack, we want to beat you. No doubt about that. But it's been 12 years that we have been in this relationship. We trust each other.'"
Hamilton has reportedly dated several famous personalities, such as Colombian singer Shakira and actress Sofía Vergara. It wouldn't be surprising if Wolff influenced the decision to date them, given his claim that Hamilton often seeks his dating advice. He said:
"I'm living a different life through his eyes, you know, he shows me his flirts and who he dates, and [asks], 'Should I go for this girl or not?' And I'm saying, 'Yes, you should, and tell me how it was!'"
Hamilton is reportedly seeing British pop singer Raye, who worked with him for the F1 movie that released last month. Raye was spotted in the Ferrari garage in Melbourne, which was the 40-year-old driver's first Grand Prix with Ferrari. She also performed at Silverstone during the recent British GP weekend, which marked Hamilton's first home race with Ferrari.