Mercedes F1 Boss Toto Wolff Dismisses Claims of Unequal Treatment Between Hamilton and Russell
In a recent interview, Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff addressed concerns that Lewis Hamilton’s comments about George Russell having an unfair advantage due to exclusive use of a new front wing at the Monaco Grand Prix hinted at paranoia about unequal treatment. Wolff assured that the team has always maintained a transparent and fair approach, providing both drivers with the best possible cars, strategies, and support.
Wolff pointed out that the only instance of the team influencing a battle between team-mates was during the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton tried to back Nico Rosberg into the pack, and the team urged him to pick up his pace from the pitwall.
“Aren’t all drivers a bit skeptical at times?… I think as a team we have demonstrated even in the most tense competitions between team-mates that we are trying to always balance it right, and be transparent and fair.”
Wolff acknowledged that drivers may have doubts when things don’t go their way, but reassured that the team’s mission remains to provide both drivers with the best possible cars and support. This is evident in the team’s decision to give both Hamilton and Russell the new Mercedes front wing for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix as part of their upgrade push.
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In recent Formula 1 news, Russell has outqualified Hamilton seven times to one this season, but Wolff doesn’t see this as a long-term trend:
“I don’t think there is a specific explanation for the statistic, but it’s still a statistic… We are seven races in and there are another 17 to go. I’ve not seen this as a trend.”
Hamilton’s relationship with the team was under scrutiny during the Monaco weekend, with several instances of questioning team decisions, including a ‘I told you guys’ message about the restart on mediums and a miscommunication during a tyre change. Wolff attributed these tensions to the team’s desire to deliver everything they can in difficult circumstances.
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