Mercedes issues major update on Lewis Hamilton influence on team livery as he joins Ferrari

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said the car will retain its all-black livery in 2025, acknowledging Lewis Hamilton's influence. According to Wolff, the team will continue to support the 39-year-old's stand for diversity in the design of the W16.

Hamilton ended his 11-year association with Mercedes this year to make a surprising move to Ferrari. Having announced the news in February, the seven-time world champion had an emotional farewell following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This week, team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that Lewis Hamilton's influence wouldn't be diminished even after he moved to Ferrari. Speaking to Channel 4, the Austrian explained that the seven-time world champion played a big role in shaping the team's legacy. He said (via PlanetF1),

“He’s a global phenomenon, and for sure, he played a role in positioning the Mercedes brand a little bit more edgy, a little bit more contemporary and extravagant."

Moreover, the Silver Arrows have always supported Hamilton in promoting diversity and inclusivity. Switching from iconic silver strips to an all-black livery was a part of that movement, and Mercedes plans on retaining the Brit's influence in that area.

Wolff added,

“But then the impact he had on the team in terms of diversity. We have a large part of our population today from underrepresented groups, and it’s going to make us strong, because it’s different cultures, different perceptions and perspectives. He made us kneel when we needed to do it, and he helped us to do the car black, and it’s gonna stay black. We’re not bailing out of there."

Lewis Hamilton has always been an active advocate of racial injustice. As the only Black driver on the grid, he previously used the stage of F1 to protest against crime towards people of color.

Meanwhile, for 2025, the Brit will mark his presence in Italy for the Ferrari car launch. On the other hand, Mercedes will feature George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli on the podium of their car launch in the UK.

For 2025, all F1 teams will come together for the car launch event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the sport. The extravagant event will take place in London on February 18.

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Toto Wolff pays tribute to Lewis Hamilton in a special holiday message

Lewis Hamilton (Image Source: Getty)

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff shared a special video message for the team's fans amid the holiday season. He spoke about the team's turbulent 2024 season and made a special mention of Lewis Hamilton's victory at Silverstone.

Wolff said,

"Who can forget Lewis' ninth British Grand Prix triumph at Silverstone? These moments none of us will forget and it was an incredible sign-off for our journey together" (0.28 ).

Hamilton snapped his two-year-long winless streak to snatch a dominant victory at his home grand prix at Silverstone. Later, at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, he inherited George Russell's victory after the latter was disqualified due to his car being underweight in post-race checks. In Las Vegas, the 39-year-old attained another podium finish to secure P2.