Toto Wolff is scratching his head over the recent buzz implying that Mercedes might be favouring George Russell over Lewis Hamilton. Why, he wonders, would they intentionally hinder their own chances?
Hamilton’s been having a tough season, getting out-qualified by Russell in seven out of the last eight races. After the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton pointed out that Russell was the only team member using Mercedes’ upgraded front wing, raising some eyebrows.
In an interview with PlanetF1.com, Hamilton bluntly stated that he didn’t expect to be ahead of Russell this year. His qualifying performance has improved somewhat, but Russell still boasts the team’s only win of the season so far, taking the top spot at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Amidst all this drama, a vicious email surfaced, accusing the team of favouring Russell and even alleging ‘systemic sabotage’ against Hamilton. Wolff was baffled. ‘Why would you favour the driver that stays? For what reason?’ he questioned in a chat with Sky F1’s Martin Brundle.
Wolff emphasized that the team is fully committed to winning the Constructors’ Championship and making the most of Hamilton’s remaining time with Mercedes. He found Hamilton’s complaints after a bad race to be ‘completely normal.’ According to Wolff, it’s typical for drivers to lash out emotionally when things don’t go their way.
Reflecting on his relationship with Hamilton, which has spanned 12 years, Wolff wished Hamilton success with his future team, Ferrari, but not without a playful jab. ‘I’d much rather us winning,’ Wolff said, noting that he still wants Mercedes to come out on top.
Wolff reminisced about a conversation he had with Hamilton before the latter announced his move to Ferrari. ‘I think first I can’t imagine him in red. I don’t think it suits him,’ Wolff said, adding that he jokingly told Hamilton to get used to the view of Mercedes’ rear wing.
Currently, Mercedes sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, just behind Ferrari, but has outperformed them significantly in recent races. The battle between Hamilton and Russell continues, but as Wolff points out, every decision made by the team is aimed at maximizing their points and achieving the best results possible.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, tensions, and emotions run high. Toto Wolff stands firm in his defense of team Mercedes, dismissing any claims of intentional sabotage. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Russell to see how this rivalry unfolds.
