Mercedes’ Team Principal Toto Wolff responded to unfounded allegations from a small sector of fans online that there is a conspiracy in the team to hinder Lewis Hamilton. The man steering the ship at Mercedes explained how he never reads the comments and people who write such things are “just idiots”.
The penultimate Mercedes post-race press conference of 2024 consisted with a lot of discussion on the form of 7-time F1 Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton. It was put to Wolff that the relationship between Mercedes and Hamilton seemed to be going through perhaps the most troubled, most difficult phase at the moment – so what is his take on things.
Always one to highlight the positive ahead of the negative, the Mercedes Team Principal started by instead focusing on the illustrious history which Hamilton has had with the Silver Arrows.
“Well, first of all, globally, we have this amazing partnership that has gone over 12 years.” Wolff stated. “We’ve won 8 Constructors’ Championships and 6 drivers’ with him and I don’t know how many races he won, 100…80 something? So that’s the overarching feeling. And I think when I speak to Lewis that’s something which we are holding dearly.”
He then went on to say how these last two race “maybe even the whole season” was clearly not what a team like Mercedes would expect.
“That car is a handful to drive on its worst days, like it was today. The moment the grip kicks in, it just doesn’t turn and both drivers had an equal situation. So, we have one more to go. We will continue to give it our utmost and we will celebrate the partnership, the relationship that we had and then those few races will be forgotten quickly, as much as it hurts at the moment.”
All good things must come to an end…but not yet
Having had so much success with his talismanic racer, Wolff also explained how emotional it will be when the time comes to part ways but also explained how that mindset has not arrived yet whilst the season is in full swing.
“It will be emotional.” Wolff admitted. “In a way, it just doesn’t touch us yet so much because we’re right in the melee of everything. We’re fighting, we’re trying to do our best every session, every day. But the closer it comes, the closer it gets, the more emotional it will be, particularly on Sunday, the last race. I hope we can recover a little bit from what we’ve seen this weekend.”
No time for conspiracy theories
Due to the fact that this is Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes, the British driver’s fanbase have been desperate to see it end on a high note. Hamilton has already claimed 2 victories this season but still a small sector of the Hamilton fanbase seem convinced that the reason their star man is struggling – compared to teammate George Russell – is due to something underhand behind the scenes.
When this was put to Mercedes’ team leader, he was clear in his response that such claims are idiocy and instead praised the fanbase who are always supporting through thick and thin.
“I’ve never read comments.” replied the 52-year-old. “I just hear that that nonsense appears. You can talk at length about the toxic environment of social media, but I’ve always said it. You hide yourself behind the screen, you open up an account, and then you put these comments. I wonder who would even have the time to comment? We love our fans. They contribute to what we are. And the other ones who believe that they need to create some crazy, made-up conspiracies. It doesn’t even bother me. They’re just idiots that have no understanding, probably never put their foot in a racing car, maybe not even a normal car.”
Wolff then spoke directly to those who write such claims as he continued by saying: “Nobody’s reading what you write.”
Looking for answers
With this in mind, Wolff was asked for his best technical explanation as to what Hamilton is particularly struggling with within his car. Seeing how on some days he drives as he did in Vegas when Mercedes dominated with a 1’2 whereas at other times he struggles in the way shown in Brazil.
“I think one of his strengths is always how he’s able to brake late, attack the corner, and that car can’t take it. And then when there’s days like today where the grip comes in, that phenomenon is even more articulated, and makes it even worse for him, and makes it worse for George also. And then if the car slides more, and lacks grip, it comes alive. So, that’s a pattern, a feature of this car. So, that contributes to him probably suffering more than George.”
He was later asked as to whether Hamilton’s specific driving style adds to the issue.
“You can say, does it add? Maybe, but this is so subtle, those driving styles, but it’s clear when you’re very strong on the brake, and you need a car that’s strong on turning in, and you just hit the throttle, and you need lots of traction, and when the car is not giving you any of that, it’s very difficult to drive around.”
Form is temporary – class is permanent
Irrespective of the form Hamilton is in, Abu Dhabi will be the British racer’s final drive for Mercedes before he heads to Ferrari next year. Wolff explained how his team and Lewis had “done a good job” managing their driver when they have known all season that they would be parting ways.
“When he [Hamilton] took the decision at the beginning of the season to go, we knew it could be a bumpy year ahead, and it’s very normal. He knows he’s going to go somewhere else, we know our future lies with Kimi [Antonelli] and then to go through the ups and downs and still keep it together between us, I think that is something we have achieved.
“Now, you see those very bad races, clearly he wears his heart on the sleeve, you express your emotions, and that’s absolutely allowed. It’s OK.”
Wolff then concluded his press conference with words which perfectly sum up the situation his team are in at present and many a Mercedes fan will relish hearing.
“Nothing is going to take away 12 incredible years with eight constructors’ and six driver championships, and that is what will be in the memory, and after next Sunday we’re going to look back at this great period of time, rather than a season or races that were particularly bad, we will stay with the good memories.”
Whether Lewis Hamilton gets a fairy tale finish in Abu Dhabi remains to be seen. One thing is certain though, these last few months are just a footnote in the superstar’s Mercedes’ history before he begins his next chapter – in red – in a matter of weeks.
