Wolff lashes out at 'nonsense' conspiracies: 'Idiots who don't understand!'
F1 News
Toto Wolff has lashed out at conspiracy theories that believe Mercedes is providing George Russell with a faster car than Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion finished outside the points in Qatar and had a torrid race overall. Meanwhile, George Russell finished in fourth place after starting on pole, a result which was still disappointing for the team principal. In the paddock of the Lusail International Circut, The Austrian slammed those who are making up rumours to GPblog and others.
On social media, some fans argued that it was strange Hamilton was a lot slower than Russell in Qatar. The 105-time race winner has just one Grand Prix left with Mercedes, the team he has been a part of since 2013. As he was leaving the team, some fans made comments about Mercedes' integrity. They argued that Hamilton was being given a worse car because of this.
Wolff lashes out: 'It's nonsense'
When asked about the reactions, Wolff said, "I've never read comments. I just heard that that nonsense appears. Now you can talk at length about the toxic environment of social media but I've always said it. You hide yourself behind the screen, you open up an account and then you put these comments," Wolff began.
In Qatar, Hamilton finished outside the points in 12th place and picked up two penalties. The first for a false start, and the second for speeding in the pitlane. After receiving his second penalty, he urged the Mercedes pit wall to retire his car - a request they swiftly denied.
The team boss continued: "We love our fans. They contribute to what we are. The other ones who believe that they need to create some crazy made-up conspiracies don't even bother me. They're just idiots who have no understanding, and probably never put their foot near a racing car, maybe not even a normal car. You need to show me some of that stuff just for me to have a laugh. My message to the ones that feel free to give us the comments: 'Nobody's reading what you write.'
Wolff: 'You're hiding behind a screen'
"10 years ago, I was really upset about what somebody wrote. I was walking on the street with Susie and there was this rather not decent person that was coming towards us and she said, would you consider this person's opinion? And I said, no, why would I? I said, well, that could be the person that has just written the comment. So you're hiding behind your screen somewhere over the mountains and you feel you want to make a comment, wonderful. You're writing it for yourself anyway and for the few other lunatics that want to engage with you." The Austrian concluded.
Wolff famously stays off of social media, and it's understood why, especially when comments and conspiracies dominate Mercedes' replies and comments. The Silver Arrows will be looking to bounce back heading into the final Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
This article was written in collaboration with Cas van de Kleut
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!