2023-10-22 12:38:51
Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff has insisted that the “unpleasant situation” between drivers at recent F1 races was unrelated to his absence. Toto Wolff was forced to miss both the recent Japanese and Qatar Grand Prix following a training accident required knee surgery.
Wolff watched from home while he recovered, but there appeared to be public tension between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at both Grands Prix. At Suzuka, Hamilton and Russell nearly collided as they fought for position, but towards the end of the race there was a heated exchange over the radio regarding team orders. At Losail, the two cars fought each other in the first corner, resulting in Hamilton retiring. Wolff said there was a running joke within Mercedes that driver problems broke out while the boss was away, but he said it was clear there was no connection. Asked if his own absence was a factor, Wolff said, “I don’t think so.” “We were laughing regarding it in the team, but I don’t think it affected us. “I think we’re racing further ahead now, and with the McLarens and Max (Verstappen). So I think we might smell what it was like to not have a car in front of us.” “So we’ll never know it anyway. I’m back.” Wolff said Hamilton and He said the incident between Russell was not swept under the rug and the team has been addressing potential issues behind closed doors. “For example, there are some unpleasant situations that we have talked regarding and there are a lot of points that we have left on the table. But no one is more aware than the drivers.” They’re racing drivers. They compete fiercely. My first rival is my teammate, so I watch from a relatively relaxed stance. And then I’m back.” Wolff is following developments closely from his home in Monaco. However, he deliberately avoided getting too involved as it would be unfair to the people working at the circuit. “I was completely isolated,” Wolff said. “I have a center console at home, so I participated in all the briefings, debriefings, and conversations during the race.”But of course, I have to leave the control of the plane to everyone here.When you’re in a remote location, I always feel like I’m far away, and I feel a little withdrawn.” “I don’t even look at their faces. I don’t know how the people around me are emotionally, and in a sense, I feel like I’m far away.” I feel it. So it’s not fun. But it was necessary.”
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