Toto Wolff has showcased his ambition and optimism ahead of the 2024 campaign, stating that he believes it is possible that Lewis Hamilton could win his record-breaking eighth World Championship, despite the considerable advantage held by Red Bull heading into the winter break.
Hamilton is currently tied in the record books with former Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes star Michael Schumacher on seven Drivers’ Championship titles after losing his grasp on the 2021 crown in controversial circumstances following a final-lap battle with rival Max Verstappen.
Since then, the 39-year-old has been unable to fight Verstappen on a regular basis, ending the 2023 campaign without a Grand Prix victory for the second time in his career, and for the second year in succession.
Hamilton’s frustrations were clear to see throughout last season, and these were exacerbated by the fact that the team opted not to take his advice regarding the W14’s development direction this time last year, instead doubling down on the ill-fated ‘zeropod’ design. In 2024, however, the Silver Arrows are working on a fresh design philosophy.
Asked by The Telegraph whether or not he believes that Hamilton can win his eighth World Championship in 2024, Wolff responded: “Always believe it’s possible. You cannot start the season with an attitude of ‘This is not going to be possible.’
“We saw last year with McLaren, what a huge step they made with a single upgrade. We’ve signed a two-year deal with Lewis, and we owe it to him, to George and to all [of] the team to give it our full attention in 2024 and 2025. I think it’s possible.”
A title triumph in 2024 or 2025 would provide the perfect note on which Hamilton could bring his stellar F1 career to an end. Now 39 years of age, the legendary Brit is willing to stick it out until the opportunity presents itself for him to fight for the Drivers’ Championship crown.
His latest contract – signed midway through the 2023 campaign – will keep him with Mercedes until the end of the 2025 season and Hamilton will be hoping that he doesn’t have to rely on a new deal taking him into the new regulation period in 2026 to move clear of Schumacher in the record books.
Should Hamilton’s search for an eighth World Championship take him into his early forties, there is some encouragement to be found in Fernando Alonso’s recent performances. However, despite producing consistently impressive drives, the 42-year-old is now without a win in a decade, proving that no level of form can overcome restrictive machinery.
