Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has mounted a passionate defence of Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time champion's harsh self-assessment during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
The team principal dismissed any doubts about Hamilton's abilities, declaring him "the greatest of all time" despite his current difficulties at Ferrari.
"He's the GOAT and he will always be the GOAT, and nobody is going to take that away," Wolff told reporters when questioned about Hamilton's recent remarks.
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|Toto Wolff has insisted Lewis Hamilton remains the 'greatest of all time'
The Austrian emphasised that neither a disappointing weekend nor a challenging season could diminish Hamilton's legacy.
"For sure, no single weekend or race season that hasn't gone to plan. That's something he needs to always remember he's the greatest of all time," Wolff added.
Hamilton's move to the Italian team has proved challenging, with the 40-year-old yet to secure a grand prix podium finish whilst team-mate Charles Leclerc has achieved five top-three results.
The Briton sits sixth in the championship standings, trailing the Monégasque by 42 points.
His frustrations boiled over during qualifying in Hungary when an unexpected Q2 elimination left him starting twelfth. Hamilton branded himself "absolutely useless" and suggested Ferrari "probably need to change driver."
He subsequently finished the race in twelfth position and acknowledged he was "looking forward to going away" during the summer break, citing "a lot going on in the background that is not great."
Wolff remains convinced Hamilton can secure an elusive eighth championship title, provided he has competitive machinery at his disposal.
"I think if he has a car underneath him that he has confidence in, that does what he wants, then yes," the Mercedes chief stated.
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Getty | Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff had a hugely successful partnership at Mercedes
The Austrian urged Hamilton to persist with his career, particularly with significant technical changes approaching.
"He shouldn't go anywhere next year. Brand new cars, completely different to drive, new power units that need an intelligent way of managing the energy," Wolff explained.
"That's absolutely on for Lewis and I hope he stays on for many more years. Certainly, next year is going to be an important one."
Wolff characterised Hamilton's self-criticism as typical behaviour from elite athletes who hold themselves accountable.
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"That is Lewis wearing his heart on his sleeve," Wolff explained, noting the driver's emotional transparency since his youth.
The Mercedes principal revealed their relationship remains strong despite Hamilton's departure to Ferrari. "My friendship with Lewis has remained unchanged. We talk often," Wolff told Gazzetta dello Sport.
He acknowledged Hamilton's ongoing significance to Mercedes, stating: "Lewis remains very important to us.
"He was a cornerstone of our team and will always be part of the Mercedes family, even though he's now driving for Ferrari."