Wolff defends himself after his comments on Hamilton: "They were taken a little out of context"

It was to be expected, Toto Wolff's words in the book "Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane“ have caused a lot of noise. In this book which covers the Étoile’s 2023 campaign and its start to 2024, the Austrian team principal spoke on various subjects including the surprise departure of Lewis Hamilton made official on February 1st.

In the pages, the director of the German team suggested that Mercedes had prepared for this eventuality even if the timing caught them off guard, not hesitating to use some strong words. There is a reason why we only signed a one-year contract and more, explained Toto wolff about Lewis Hamilton's contract extension, signed during the 2023 season. We're in a sport where cognitive acuity is extremely important, and I think everyone has an expiration date. »

It was inevitably these last three words that were remembered. And of course, they caused a lot of ink to flow. Was the Austrian trying to make it clear that the seven-time world champion could no longer offer them anything while the team has been on alternating current for three seasons?

"[This statement] was taken a little out of context, he explains to the with the BBC. What I was referring to is that we all get older, whether it's being in a car, on a pitch, being a manager or an entrepreneur… And that's what I'm trying to do with myself, to understand if I've gone from great to good, because being good is not enough anymore in Formula 1. »

Finally, Toto Wolff wanted to put an end to the "controversy" for good by also highlighting Mercedes' inability to provide equipment worthy of the name to the seven-time world champion over the last three years. Contrary to my own assessment, I think everyone sees that Lewis performs very well when the car is good and we have not been able to give him this car to perform at his best.He says. It's a frustration we all share within the team and as far as he's concerned.. » Enough to calm the ardor?

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