Lewis Hamilton continues to maintain a remarkably close relationship with Mercedes despite his high-profile move to Ferrari, team principal Toto Wolff has revealed.
The seven-time world champion still regularly visits Mercedes facilities and maintains friendships with his former colleagues.
Wolff disclosed to the Wall Street Journal that Hamilton "pops up in the office on the weekend" and "speaks with the engineers, gets some food."
The Austrian executive admitted the situation "could have been very awkward, borderline hostile" following Hamilton's shock departure announcement.
Sky Sports/Getty | Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton continue to maintain a close relationship
Instead, both parties "actively talked about how to not make it that" and made "a real effort in trying to be very accommodating, very understanding."
The extent of Hamilton's continued involvement with Mercedes has surprised many in the paddock.
"After many grands prix, he travels back with me," Wolff told the Wall Street Journal, explaining that "the old gang" of Valtteri Bottas, George Russell, Hamilton and himself still fly together from races.
Despite now wearing Ferrari red, Hamilton maintains his Mercedes connections through regular weekend visits to the team's facilities.
The 40-year-old driver continues to engage with Mercedes engineers and staff, demonstrating that his 12-year relationship with the team transcends his move to Maranello.
Wolff shared intimate details about their enduring friendship, revealing that Hamilton even seeks personal advice from his former boss.
"He shows me his flirts and who he dates, and [asks], 'Should I go for this girl or not?' And I'm saying, 'Yes, you should, and tell me how it was,'" Wolff told the Wall Street Journal.
Getty | Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff had a hugely successful partnership at Mercedes
The Mercedes chief emphasised their mutual trust despite fierce on-track competition between the teams.
"Listen, on the racetrack, we want to beat you. No doubt about that. But it's been 12 years that we have been in this relationship. We trust each other," he explained.
Wolff expressed pride in maintaining their friendship through Hamilton's transition to Ferrari.
Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers' standings with 103 points after 12 races, trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by 131 points and team-mate Charles Leclerc by 16 points.
Reuters | Lewis Hamilton has replaced Carlos Sainz at Ferrari
The British driver has yet to secure a podium finish in his debut Ferrari season.
Mercedes and Ferrari are separated by just 12 points in the constructors' championship, occupying second and third positions respectively.
Hamilton's departure followed reports that Mercedes were unwilling to offer the multi-year contract he sought, with the team mindful of young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli waiting in the wings.
Wolff revealed his bemusement at seeing Hamilton in formal attire during his Ferrari unveiling, texting the driver: "It's unbelievable, 12 years and I failed to put you in a suit!"