Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff’s partnership at Mercedes has been the cornerstone of Formula 1’s most dominant era since 2013. Beyond their professional achievements, the duo built a strong off-track friendship, which Wolff recently reminisced about, revealing a jaw-dropping $72,000 surprise from Hamilton.
During an interview on Dax Shepard’s podcast, Wolff shared a heartwarming memory of how Hamilton, known for his larger-than-life gestures, gifted him an ultra-exclusive MV Agusta bike. This wasn’t just any bike; it was the Lewis Hamilton Edition from 2015, limited to just 44 units — a tribute to Hamilton’s iconic racing number.
Wolff recounted the moment at his Monaco residence when Hamilton arrived unexpectedly during a dinner party. “He rings at the door and says, ‘Come down, please.’ I said, ‘No, come up, we’re all here.’ But he insisted,” Wolff said.
When Wolff and his wife, Susie, stepped outside, they were greeted by Hamilton and the rare bike. Hamilton handed over the keys, saying, “I’ve never given you a gift, so I want you to have the number one of this 44-edition series.”
This thoughtful gesture exemplified the unique bond between the pair, which extended far beyond the racetrack.
As the Abu Dhabi GP concluded and Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari in 2025, it marked the end of their professional alliance. However, Wolff admitted he would continue rooting for Hamilton — but only if Mercedes isn’t competing at the front.
This extraordinary gift and the mutual respect between the two showcase a friendship that will endure long after their time together at Mercedes.