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Wolff: 'Was never worried that Hamilton would quit'
- GPblog.com
Toto Wolff said he never doubted that Lewis Hamilton would return to Formula 1. The 50-year-old Austrian argues that Hamilton still enjoys driving in the premier class of motorsport far too much to leave. The departure of Michael Masi is also discussed and Mercedes does not seem to be mourning that.
Never doubted Hamilton would return
"No, I was never worried [Hamilton would quit] – although you have to respect the driver is disillusioned. Lewis was the best guy on track, dominating, and then it is taken away by an individual against the rules, so to digest that is that very difficult," Wolff said in conversation with BBC Radio 4.
So Hamilton had a hard time for a while and consequently didn't speak out on social media. For a while it was feared that the seven-time world champion might call it a day in Formula 1, but Wolff never took that scenario into account. According to the team boss, this is because Hamilton still loves the game.
"He is in love with the sport and we are ready to hunt for victories and hopefully the world championship. He is in the right mindset. Lewis is all about justice and sporting fairness. He needed time to reflect, he comes back strong, and is in good spirits," Wolff told reporters Friday morning prior to the unveiling of the W13.
Mercedes seems satisfied with Masi's departure
On Thursday, the FIA presented structural changes that should help Formula 1 avoid scenarios like the one in Abu Dhabi. These include no place for Michael Masi as race director. Wolff's reaction to this: "I think most importantly is that we move on,"There was so much discussion about the Abu Dhabi events for the right reasons because how the Grand Prix ended is not how a Formula One World Championship should end.
So they don't seem to be very mournful at Mercedes about Masi's departure. According to Wolff, the German formation is comfortable with the measures that have been taken. "The FIA has put in some good new structures and we're happy about that," the top executive concludes.