Toto Wolff has shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton, the departing driver of Mercedes, downplaying his prospects of qualifying against teammate George Russell during the 2024 season.
Following Russell’s 7-1 victory in their season-opening one-lap head-to-head at the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton hinted that his younger teammate will probably win more frequently than not in the future.
READ MORE: Hamilton discusses his “frustrating” Saturday struggles in Monaco and says he doesn’t expect to outqualify Russell for the remainder of 2024.
Hamilton pointed to the improvements Russell had received and added, “I don’t anticipate being ahead of George in qualifying, particularly this year, but we’ve just got to keep pushing, and the races are strong.”
It comes as Hamilton, a seven-time champion, is about to depart the Silver Arrows at the end of the current season after agreeing to sign a multi-year contract to join Ferrari in 2025.
When asked if paranoia is beginning to sneak in and what Hamilton meant by his remarks, Mercedes CEO Wolff responded, “All drivers [are] a bit sceptical at times.”
“I believe that as a team, we’ve shown that even in the most intense rivalries among teammates, we always strive to strike the appropriate balance and to be open and equitable.
“As a driver, I can appreciate that you want the best for the team and yourself, and occasionally you may question things when they don’t go your way.
READ MORE: Russell explains why, before the red flag in Monaco, he was certain of a podium or even victory.
“As a team, we are fully committed to providing the two drivers with two excellent cars, the best cars available, as well as the best strategies and support.”
In addition, Wolff discussed the radio conflict that arose late in the race in Monte Carlo between Hamilton and the Mercedes pit wall. The British driver was irate that he had not received instructions to accelerate sooner in order to overtake Red Bull competitor Max Verstappen.
Verstappen responded a lap later after Hamilton, who had pitted from eighth place in the latter stages of the race, switched from medium to hard tires. Their positions stayed the same.
“We had a misunderstanding on the pit wall at first,” said Wolff. “We misinterpreted that; instead of attempting to undermine, it should have been a ‘out-lap important’ message.
The message he received was, at best, unclear, but most likely incorrect, as there was a discussion on whether or not an out-lap on the replacement tire would be sufficient. It ought to have been considered “out-lap critical.”
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“What would happen later if we stretched the tire in a single lap?” was the nagging concern. In summary, though, the team was at fault and Lewis received the incorrect message.
When questioned about the state of their relationship as they are ready to split, Wolff responded, “We’re trying to do the best out of the relationship.” Our goal as a team is to maximize the outcomes for the upcoming final season.
“You know, it can get tense sometimes between drivers and teams because everyone wants to give it their all.”