2023-11-18 04:58:12
The nerves were on edge!
The Formula 1 premiere in Las Vegas was supposed to be a mega event – but the embarrassing storm drain drama was THE dominant topic following the first free practice session on Thursday (local time). One person was particularly pissed off followingwards: Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff (51)!
He attacked a reporter at the press conference!
also read
It started with a question directed at the team bosses present. One of the journalists wanted to know: “With everything that was put into this event, how can you not see this (Gully drama, editor) as a black eye for Formula 1? Yes, this has happened on other routes. But how will Formula 1 continue now?”
Wolff countered: “That’s not a black eye. It’s nothing! We have a first free practice session on Thursday night, which we don’t drive. They’ll seal the manhole covers and tomorrow no one will talk regarding it anymore.”
The scene of the accident is clearly visible: there is a large hole in the road from which the storm drain has broken out
Foto: Formula 1 via Getty Images
Then Jonathan McEvoy, a reporter for the British Daily Mail, joined the debate. Without being asked and without a microphone, he shouted: “That’s bullshit. Everyone will talk regarding it tomorrow.”
Then Wolff’s collar burst!
The Mercedes team boss with a serious voice and a dark look: “That’s totally ridiculous! How dare you speak ill of an event that sets the new standard for everything? And you’re talking regarding a damn manhole cover that’s come loose. This has happened before too. It’s nothing. It’s the first free practice session.”
Dangerous joyride racing car races on the highway
Quelle: ViralPress 11.11.2023
Wolff was visibly touched and didn’t want to take the Las Vegas criticism lying down. “Give recognition to the people who created this Grand Prix and who made the sport much bigger than it ever was!”
Then Wolff even got personal!
To McEvoy he said: “Have you ever spoken well of someone and written a good word regarding someone? Should you! About all the people out there.”
And further: Liberty (the promoter, editor) did a fantastic job. And just because a manhole cover came loose in the first free practice session, we shouldn’t complain.”
Background: The relationship between Mercedes and McEvoy, a reporter for the British Daily Mail, has been strained for years. The Gully criticism was too much for Wolff!
Bitter from the organizers’ point of view: After the manhole cover drama, the damage to the company’s image became even greater. The second training session was postponed several times following the repair work on the track, but ultimately only started at 2:30 a.m. local time – but then behind closed doors! The race organizer did not expect the breakdown and the shifts of hundreds of security employees came to an end. The fans had to leave the area.
Schumacher criticizes Wolff’s reaction
By the way: Criticism of Toto Wolff’s reaction came from Germany. Sky expert Ralf Schumacher found Wolff’s statements “exaggerated”, the first day was “not an advertisement for the event” and the Mercedes team boss should “leave the church in the village”.
Schumacher’s conclusion: “That’s also the job of the journalist.”
1700287154
#Formula #Toto #Wolff #attacks #reporters #Trouble #Mercedes #boss #Las #Vegas #race #Sports
