F1 news: Toto Wolff’s broken promise to Lewis Hamilton on Max Verstappen
Netflix’s latest season of Drive to Survive has pulled back the curtain on a stunning revelation about Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and his dealings with Lewis Hamilton.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo examines how this revelation could redefine the Hamilton-Mercedes fallout.
A DTS revelation
Netflix’s latest season of Drive to Survive has exposed a significant broken promise made by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff to Hamilton regarding Max Verstappen.
This shocking revelation has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, breaking the internet as fans react to Wolff's unexpected betrayal.
This revelation sheds light on the internal drama at Mercedes following Hamilton’s decision to leave the team and the controversial pursuit of his replacement.
Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes and shock move to Ferrari
Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 and played a pivotal role in their dominance, securing six of his seven world championships with the Silver Arrows.
The team also clinched eight consecutive Constructors' titles between 2014 and 2021.
However, with Mercedes struggling in recent years, Hamilton made the shocking decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, ending a 12-year partnership that defined modern Formula 1.
His departure left a major void in the team, sparking intense speculation over who would take his place.
Wolff’s promise to Hamilton - and his change of heart
In Drive to Survive Season 7, an eye-opening moment reveals Wolff discussing the team’s future with his wife, Susie Wolff - F1 Academy managing director - at their Monaco home.
During their conversation, Toto admitted that he had made a personal promise to Hamilton - he would not approach Verstappen about joining Mercedes while Hamilton was still with the team.
Hamilton had reportedly been wary of Verstappen as a teammate, despite publicly stating he was open to competing against anyone.
Out of respect for Hamilton, the Mercedes boss initially honoured this commitment, refusing to engage in discussions with Verstappen’s camp.
However, as Mercedes faced uncertainty about their future, Toto reconsidered his stance.
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Breaking the promise: Wolff’s pursuit of Verstappen
As Wolff weighed his options for Hamilton’s successor, several drivers were considered:
Carlos Sainz: "He’s had some really good performances."
Fernando Alonso: "His race pace and racecraft are still very good, but he’s an interim solution."
When Susie asked whether Verstappen was an option, Wolff hesitated before admitting, "I think he is.”
“But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is.
“I haven’t spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn’t talk to him, but I will have the conversation now."
With that statement, Wolff broke his promise and initiated discussions with Verstappen’s management.
Verstappen talks that led nowhere
Despite his initial reluctance, Wolff actively pursued Verstappen in early 2024, attempting to lure the Red Bull driver to Mercedes.
However, talks failed to gain traction, and by the summer break, negotiations collapsed. Verstappen remained committed to Red Bull, cementing his status as their lead driver.
With the Dutchman out of the picture, Mercedes turned to its junior talent, promoting 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell for the 2025 season.
Drive to Survive captures Antonelli’s reaction upon securing the seat, with Wolff remarking after seeing him drive a GT3 car at Imola, "What did you raise? He’s amazing."
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The fallout from Wolff’s decision
Wolff’s broken promise raises questions about his relationship with Hamilton and whether the seven-time world champion was aware of the Mercedes boss’s pursuit of Verstappen.
While Hamilton is now focused on his new challenge at Ferrari, the revelation adds another layer to his dramatic departure.
As the 2025 season approaches, Mercedes embarks on a fresh chapter with Antonelli and Russell leading the charge.
While Verstappen continues to dominate and Hamilton begins his Ferrari tenure, Mercedes is betting on youth to reclaim its place at the top of the sport.
Fans will eagerly watch how this gamble plays out, as a new era of F1 unfolds.
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