Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff says it’s normal for F1 teams to become trash cans and ‘vomit bags’ for their drivers, as was the case with Lewis Hamilton at Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix.
The Mercedes F1 team’s decision to split its strategy by pitting George Russell and staying out Lewis Hamilton during the final safety car period at Zandvoort has taken the short end for Hamilton.
When the race resumed, seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton was overtaken by Max Verstappen to take the lead. In the ensuing laps Hamilton lost out to George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles his Leclerc.
As he fell from 1st to 4th place, Lewis Hamilton’s anger only increased and he lost himself.
“I can’t believe you screwed me up. I can’t put into words how angry I am right now,” said Lewis Hamilton.
When all was said and done, Lewis Hamilton apologized to his team.
Toto Wolff, known for destroying his earbuds when things go awry, didn’t take offense at Driver’s wrath.
“It’s emotional, and so am I during the race,” said Wolff.
“And when you’re a car driver, it’s something that comes up. You can’t even stop it.”
“We’re a trash can, a vomit bag on an airplane. We’re taking all the necessary steps. It’s a constant relationship between a frustrated driver and the pit wall.”
Toto Wolff said a much calmer spirit prevailed in Mercedes’ post-race debriefing when every decision was considered right or wrong and justified.
“We sat together and talked about race strategy,” he said. “What made you decide to take a risk this morning?
“It really backfired on him. Given the whole situation, I think it was completely unpleasant with Max behind him.”
“But there are other positives, which we have also talked about: the car is faster.”
Toto Wolff admitted that when teams hedge bets, it is inevitable that one driver will be happy while the other scolds the team.
“It’s very difficult to really make the right decisions, especially when two drivers are racing against each other,” said Wolff.
“We’ve been through it for the last 10 years. One side will be upset, the other will be happy. And it’s a swing that we kind of need to balance, the frustration of the other side. is always big
