Toto Wolff: “The best race since 2013”

The demonstration of Lewis Hamilton yesterday at Silverstone concluded the English week in style in the clan Mercedes and for the many British fans who came in droves to support their idol. The period of the British Grand Prix had however started against a backdrop of controversy for Hamilton, criticized for his absence at the F1 LiveLondon.

On the sidelines of the race, Toto wolff, boss of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, stepped up to defend his driver. And according to the Austrian, the uncontested victory of the triple world champion on Sunday constitutes another response to these criticisms.

« I can't understand the need to destroy the hero before his home run, with nonsense that is false, commented Wolff on Sky Sports. Some media attacked him for no reason, and here is the consequence, he came out stronger. »

A notable race

The Mercedes manager also returned to the overall performance of his team, with a double secured thanks to the return of Valtteri Bottas in the last laps, taking advantage of the bad luck of the Team Ferrari and the two tire problems on the SF70H of Kimi Räikkönen then Sebastian Vettel.

" I think that it was probably the best race I've competed in since joining the team in 2013, underlines Toto Wolff. We are so delighted for Lewis: he prepared for the weekend in the way he knew was best for him, then delivered in qualifying and the race.

He got pole, led every lap, won the race and also set the fastest lap. It was a perfect performance. And then, Valtteri completed the team's work by returning to second place with a little luck, but applying constant pressure on each lap of the race. »

Mercedes is now turning its attention to the rest of the season, in Hungary in a little less than a fortnight, and where Ferrari could threaten the W08s again. “We are now halfway through the season, with 250 points still to go, continues Wolff. We are focused on one thing: the next race in Hungary, so that we can start the summer vacation in an even stronger position. »

Find the full report and analysis of the British Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents at Silverstone, in issue 2123 of AUTOhebdo, available this evening in digital version, and this Wednesday on newsstands.