Mercedes is going through one of the worst periods in its dominant F1 history. While they have been the second best team behind Red Bull on the track so far, team boss Toto Wolff is in the eye of the storm that is brewing off the track.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
In addition to a verbal battle with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, the Austrian has to put out fire on his team. After a disastrous Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Wolff refined his comments on Valtteri Bottas’ pit stop in Monaco and pointed out the role of the media in the matter.
Toto Wolff explains his previous attitude towards Valtteri Bottas’ pit stop in Monaco
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
If Mercedes is going through a difficult time, Valtteri Bottas is currently in a crisis. After a DNF at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Finn finished 12th in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He is currently in 6th place in the drivers’ championship. With just 47 points from the first six races, this is his worst start to an F1 season of his career.
Formula 1 F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – May 2, 2021 Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes before the pool race via REUTERS / Gabriel Bouys
Tensions between Wolff and Bottas increased after the Austrian made the Finn jointly responsible for the pit stop mistake in Monaco. Although the Finn dropped the comments by admitting that he was surprised, questions remained about Wolff’s criticism of Bottas.
The Austrian took back his words by admitting that he had chosen his words incorrectly. He said, “It was probably my fault. When I analyzed the stop, I said that he drove a few centimeters too little without taking it as fault.
“He was actually very precise at the stop. He didn’t make a mistake in the whole story, it was our problem. “(Quotes translated from German by Google)
WATCH HISTORY: Biggest pit lane breakdowns with Hamilton, Raikkonen & Verstappen
Wolff: People want to tell a story
Wolff believes the media is always on the lookout for words that made headlines. “It just means that people want to tell a story,” said the 49-year-old.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
The Mercedes boss is hardly afraid to speak in public. At the weekend, the Austrian exchanged verbal barbs with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, while the flexi-wing debate raged. Although their verbal arguments intensified, Horner admitted that Wolff’s tendency to criticize his team in public is not good for him.
The Brit said: “He never hesitates to criticize his team in front of everyone and I disagree.” (Quotes translated by Google)
While Mercedes wants to return to winning ways at the French Grand Prix, Wolff is facing a major challenge. Can a win at Le Castellet help him win the team for this season?
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
DIVE DEEPER
