F1 News

Wolff explains why Hamilton sabotage claims at Mercedes can be dismissed

Wolff explains why Hamilton sabotage claims are 'simply wrong'

21 June at 15:42
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Toto Wolff has explained why Mercedes would never opt to sabotage Lewis Hamilton during the remaining races of their partnership. An anonymous email claiming Mercedes were sabotaging Hamilton was sent. The team boss had called the police to investigate the situation.

Mercedes and Hamilton formed one of the most successful partnerships Formula 1 has ever seen. Between 2014 and 2020, Hamilton won all but one Drivers World Championship, with his then-teammate Nico Rosberg winning the other in 2016. Hamilton has decided to leave Mercedes at the end of 2024 to take a chance at Ferrari.

Since then, Hamilton has dropped behind his teammate George Russell. The younger Brit is currently dominating the qualifying duel. This has raised suspicions amongst fans. The email stated that Lewis Hamilton is being "sabotaged" by Mercedes. The sender claims to be an employee of the team, something Mercedes categorically denied. Mercedes have contacted the police over the issue and Wolff said the online abuse must end. 

"There will always be people that have their laptop on their chest in their bedroom and just typing away. And if people feel like they're abusing, want to abuse and hit out and hide behind a made-up Instagram account or anything else, that for me is, come up, say who you are, and we'll take the criticism and discuss but don't hide," Wolff said.

Why Wolff and Mercedes would never sabotage Hamilton

Wolff went on to explain how the idea is ludicrous anyhow. "We want to be successful with the most iconic driver the sport has ever had. We had the privilege that we had to working with Lewis as an incredible driver and a great personality who goes through the ups and downs like any other sportsperson," Wolff added.

"I totally respect the reasons for him going to Ferrari. There is no grudge. There is no bad feeling. The interaction we have in the team is positive. And so every comment from the outside of what is going on in the team is just simply wrong."