Wolff reveals message he sent to Hamilton after seeing former Mercedes man at Ferrari for first time

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed that he messaged Lewis Hamilton shortly after seeing the first photographs of his former driver at Ferrari, praising the seven-time World Champion for an “iconic” look.

Hamilton linked up with Ferrari last week to start an intensive programme of pre-season preparations covering factory tours, staff introductions, simulator work and on-track running in previous machinery.

On his first day, Hamilton posted an update to his social media channels that included an image of him posing outside Ferrari team buildings in an all-black suit and alongside an F40 sports car.

It marks the first change of teams for Hamilton since 2013, when he joined Mercedes from McLaren – the Briton going on to win six drivers’ titles and contribute to eight constructors’ titles at the Silver Arrows.

Hamilton and Wolff enjoyed plenty of success together at Mercedes

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 at this week’s Autosport Awards in London, Wolff gave his reaction to Hamilton’s Ferrari arrival and how he is processing the situation.

“It’s a little bit like you divorce amicably and it’s all good, then you see your [ex-]partner for the first time with a new friend!” Wolff smiled.

“But I’m really happy for him, and I told him that those pictures were iconic that he made. It was so well curated, and no surprise with Lewis!”

Hamilton’s replacement, Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli, was also present at the ceremony as he talked about the prospect of stepping into 40-year-old Hamilton’s shoes.

“It’s a bit weird, because it’s a bit controversial that an Italian driver is going to Mercedes, and an English driver is going to Ferrari!” Antonelli said.

Lewis Hamilton’s first days in Ferrari red

“I’m super happy with the position I’m [in]. There’s a lot of hype around, because [there’s] another new Italian on the grid. Then, of course, such a figure like Lewis joining Ferrari is an incredible thing.

“I think during the Italian Grand Prix there’s going to be a lot of excitement around!”

As for Mercedes’ chances in their new era without Hamilton, Wolff gave little away ahead of next month’s season launch at London’s The O2 and testing in Bahrain.

“We’ve been scratching our head a lot last year, particularly at the beginning,” he commented. “Like all the other teams, we had ups and downs. [We had] very dominant performances in Vegas, then other races that were not so good.

“But, at the end of the day, when the flag drops, we’re going to see in qualifying [at the first Grand Prix] in Melbourne where we stand.”