"Didn’t plan on crying today": Fans react to Toto Wolff's emotional farewell message for Lewis Hamilton

Modified Dec 31, 2024 14:09 GMT

F1 Academy - Round 6 Lusail - Qualifying & Race 1 - Source: Getty — Toto Wolff (R) and Lewis Hamilton at the F1 Academy - Round 6 Lusail - Qualifying & Race 1 - Image Source: Getty

Toto Wolff has bid farewell to Lewis Hamilton with an emotional message during the latter's farewell tour at the Brackley and Brixworth factories. Fans reacted to the post shared by Mercedes' Instagram account and acknowledged Wolff's feelings.

Hamilton, who quit Mercedes after 11 years of historic partnership, bid a final goodbye to the team after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He skipped post-season testing with Ferrari to embark on a farewell tour arranged by the team.

As a part of this tour, the British driver traveled to Malaysia to acknowledge Mercedes' long-time sponsor, Petronas. He returned to the United Kingdom to make a final appearance at the Brackley and Brixworth factories. Hamilton greeted the staff and reminisced about his emotional ride.

Meanwhile, team principal Toto Wolff, present at the factory, delivered a special message for Lewis Hamilton. In a video posted on Mercedes' Instagram account, the Austrian said:

"The name Lewis Hamilton will stand for a long time as the greatest. I will be telling my grandchildren to be proud because I was a part of Lewis Hamilton's journey."

Fans reacted to the heartfelt video, acknowledging Wolff's emotional state.

"Didn't plan on crying today," one said.

Screengrab of a fan comment on @mercedesamgf1's Instagram post

"He's holding back tears 😭😭 " another wrote.

"These two 🫶🏻" a third fan commented.

Here are a few more reactions.

"Most painful breakup I have seen," a user wrote.

"I’m not crying you are 🥺" another said.

"Why Admin cutting Onions on the 31 Dezember 😭 😭😭😭😭@mercedesamgf1," yet another wrote.

Screengrab of fan comments on @mercedesamgf1's Instagram post

Wolff sounded emotional as he concluded the statement by mentioning the late Niki Lauda.

Toto Wolff reminds Lewis Hamilton of his 'real people'

Toto Wolff (L) with Lewis Hamilton (Image Source: Getty)

Following the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton said goodbye to the team and Mercedes garage for one final time. As he leaves for Ferrari in 2025, team principal Toto Wolff sent a special voice message for him. Wolff stressed that finding people with a similar passion for F1 is important (via F1):

"You're opening up a new chapter with Ferrari, but it's most important to remember one thing: find your people. Not just the ones who work with you or sign your contract—obviously, we know that's important, but the ones that dream with you, fight with you, have your back and your ear, the ones who stand with you and kneel with you.

Whatever the future holds, just remember we will always be your people because every dream needs a team, you know it. Take care, my friend; see you on track."

Hamilton spent his last day with Mercedes at the Brackley and Brixworth factories and is now officially a Ferrari driver.

Edited by Aayush Kapoor