Toto Wolff has commended Lewis Hamilton for his professionalism even if he is still having trouble in his last season with Mercedes. The Silver Arrows are still struggling in the new F1 regulations, as Hamilton is now lingering in ninth place in the drivers’ standings and has yet to finish on the podium this year.

However, the 39-year-old will leave the squad at the end of the 2024 season after finalizing a contract to join Ferrari. Toto Wolff, the principal of the Mercedes team, claims that although Hamilton has presented a dejected image on several occasions this year, the seven-time world champion is still an inspiration behind the scenes.

“I believe Lewis is a pro and has acted in that manner up until now, attempting to maintain his and the team’s morale even in the absence of results,” he remarked. “I’m positive that this will endure. He has also offered George support.”

At the moment, Hamilton is 14 points and two positions behind his younger colleague. The two are presently 143 points behind leaders Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, where they are in fourth.

Hamilton also suggested that it would be counterproductive to plan for 2025. “I’m a competitor first and foremost, so I want to win,” he continued. It won’t assist me to only worry about the upcoming year.”

His final Grand Prix victory was in December 2021 at Saudi Arabia, amid his controversial fight for the world championship with Max Verstappen. Since then, Mercedes has only won once, in Brazil the following year when Russell achieved his lone Formula One triumph.

Wolff has often stated he won’t be pressured into making a snap choice, but he has yet to choose Hamilton’s replacement for the upcoming campaign. The team’s next chance to improve will be this weekend in Miami, where Verstappen and Red Bull are once again anticipated to rule, with the Dutchman taking home the titles in 2022 and 2023.