Toto Wolff and Pep Guardiola share a deep friendship built on mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work. They often exchange ideas and insights, learning from each other’s experiences in their respective fields. Recently, Wolff shared a piece of advice from Manchester City’s head coach following the news of Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari.

Instead of trying to prevent his departure to Ferrari, Toto Wolff adopted a different strategy that was inspired by a philosophy shared by Pep Guardiola. While having a chat with Guardiola, Wolff asked the 53-year-old how he handles a player who desires to leave. Guardiola stated that he lets a player go if they believe there’s a better financial or growth opportunity elsewhere.

I had a chat with Pep Guardiola a long time ago, and he is a friend. I said, ‘What do you do if this and that player leaves? ’ He said: ‘No, if somebody thinks he can play elsewhere better or earns more – you have just got to let them go.

’Toto Wolff said, as reported by High Performance PodcastWolff acknowledged that these transitions are part of the sport and often require tough decisions. He ultimately chose Kimi Antonelli to fill Hamilton’s shoes. It is something that I embrace in the same way here.

Somebody wants to go – then let’s make it as good as possible for each of the parties. I made up my mind five minutes after Lewis Hamilton told me he was going to Ferrari. Toto Wolff addedRELATEDEx-F1 driver casts doubt over Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ ‘friendship’ amidst 2024 title fightToto Wolff reveals the moment when Lewis Hamilton shared his decision to exit MercedesLewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will end his long association with Mercedes, marking a big change in F1.

Toto Wolff shared a story about a casual conversation with Hamilton that took an unexpected turn. Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)After discussing holiday plans, the 52-year-old joked about Mercedes hiring personnel from Ferrari. To his surprise, Hamilton revealed his 2025 move to Ferrari.

When Lewis arrived in the house, like he did so many years before, we had a bit of a small talk, like we always do about the Christmas holidays and all of that, Then I said, ‘Well, we’re recruiting from Ferrari now. We got this guy. ’ And Lewis was, ‘Oh, there’s something I need to tell you.

’ And yeah, when he said that, that initial moment was a little bit of… so this is really happening? Toto Wolff explainedRELATEDEx-Red Bull driver Alex Albon warns Liam Lawson to ‘not jump too quickly’ alongside Max VerstappenThere are just three races left before the seven-time world champion moves to Ferrari. Earlier this year, Hamilton expressed a desire to finish the season strong with Mercedes, though based on their current performance and car, it seems unlikely that he will win another race with the Silver Arrows.