Toto Wolff has defended both Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes strategists after the Brit missed out on the win thanks to team decisions at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Hamilton has endured a difficult season and faces the prospect of racing through an entire year without a win for the first time in his 16-year career. The seven-time world champion has struggled piloting a car which has ultimately failed to perform amid the new era of Formula 1 regulations.
At Zandvoort on Sunday, Max Verstappen took his 10th win of the season and the Dutchman is marching towards a second successive world championship - but the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix will be remembered for Mercedes missing out on their elusive win. Following a decision to stay out on his old tyres following a safety car, Hamilton vented his frustration at his team.
The 37-year-old ripped into the Mercedes strategists as his hopes of victory faded as Verstappen’s younger tyres allowed him to romp to victory. Hamilton ultimately slipped down the standings and missed out on a spot on the podium as he finished fourth.
“That was the biggest f***-up,” Hamilton yelled over his radio. “I can’t believe you guys f****** screwed me.”
However, Wolff has defended Hamilton’s outburst, suggesting it was simply showcasing the Brit’s passion for the sport. He said: “You get emotional in the race. And when you’re a driver, it just comes out.
“You can’t even stop it. This is how it has always been between a frustrated driver and the pit wall.”
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When asked if Mercedes were considering making changes to the team, Wolff was equally bullish, adding: “They are the best guys. They did exactly what we discussed - to take risks to try to win the race.”
Elsewhere, AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda was involved in a bizarre retirement regarding his wheels. Suggestions were raised that it was staged by the team in order to help Verstappen win his home race, given the Dutchman drives for AlphaTauri’s senior team, Red Bull.
AlphaTauri emphatically denied such suggestions. Their statement read: “We have always competed independently, fairly and with the highest levels of sportsmanship.
“To suggest anything different is insulting and categorically incorrect.”
