Wolff explains: 'Mercedes will continue to do this because of Hamilton'
F1 News
Toto Wolff has revealed that Mercedes will continue to use black on their liveries in celebration of Lewis Hamilton's legacy. Despite the Brit's move to Ferrari, Mercedes will continue to celebrate Hamilton's historic tenure with the team going forward, with Wolff explaining why the decision was taken.
The decision was taken to change the Mercedes livery from silver to black to stand against racial abuse and discrimination in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign, which Hamilton had been vocally supportive of. Hamilton and Wolff reflected on their relationship, in a video released in Mercedes' Youtube channel, commenting on the decision to change the car to black in 2020.
"I couldn’t honestly believe it. I was at my dad’s house after I had spoken to you about changing the car to black. I couldn’t believe it when you (Toto Wolff) called me and said that they’d all agreed. That was a really emotional call for me, when I was at my dad’s house, I remember getting off [the call] and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, they’re changing the car to black. They’ve agreed.’”
Wolff: "It's what you brought"
In response to Hamilton, Wolff said: "That’s why we stick [with it]. We’re going to continue. It’s what you brought." Mercedes have implemented black on their car in one way or another since 2020 in honour of Hamilton. Even though he will not be in the team, Wolff and Mercedes will continue to celebrate the success that Hamilton brought to Brackley.
Hamilton then reflected on his 2020 challenger, his most recent driver title-winning car. He explained to Wolff how much he loved to drive it. "Just the rear end and the balance of the whole car was just… It was like we ironed out all the creases from these [previous cars] to this. It’s such a shame it was such a short season."
“I don’t know where I’d do the museum, but… maybe like a little exhibition at the Tate or something like that. That could be kind of cool. I think for kids to go by and see what’s possible from where it starts, from the small radio-controlled car to this.”
Hamilton's Ferrari journey is just beginning, and he will be seen publically with the Ferrari team later this month, testing a previous car from the Italian team.
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