Just when you think the rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull is beginning to calm down, something revives it. Max Verstappen and George Russell had an incident yesterday during the Sprint Race which picked fuel after Verstappen’s unsavory comments. The debate stirred the pot on the Dutchman’s own past, which hasn’t been as clean as he thinks it is. Toto Wolff recently added more fuel to that fire recently by blaming an entire generation of drivers with a Lewis Hamilton comparison.
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After the conclusion of the Sprint Race in Baku, Verstappen confronted Russell for the first lap incident where he took damage to his floor and bodywork. Cameras picked the reigning champion, calling the Briton a “d**ckhead”. Addressing the controversy, Toto earlier defended Max. However, now he has taken the debate to a whole new level.
Toto Wolff blames the new generation of drivers for the Max Verstappen-George Russell incident
While speaking during the media session yesterday, Wolff was asked whether he believed that Verstappen raced differently against Mercedes drivers. Responding to the question, the Mercedes boss said, “No, I think Max races Lewis differently. But between the same generation drivers, they’re all fierce. They know each other so well.”
The comment got Mercedes and Hamilton fans’ backing. However, Red Bull fans were far from pleased. Naturally, it kicked off another debate between the two camps online.
Take a look at some reactions to the comment from Twitter.
One fan did not take well to Wolff blaming an entire generation of drivers.
why did he have to throw the term “same generation” in there? has nothing to do with age. i am liking toto less and less lately.
Exactly clownappen 🤡 things he is great and he can do it but when someone does to him what he did. He is so profound with words and just shows what a d******* redbull signed and his maturity
And obviously, Mercedes fans came to the Austrian manager’s rescue, agreeing with his assessment.
Even Toto sees it. 👀 Amen 🙌🏽
When asked in a media session if Verstappen races the Mercedes cars differently, Toto Wolff stated: "No, I think Max races Lewis differently. But between the same generation drivers, they're all fierce. They know each other so well." #F1 #AzerbaijanGP
We've been saying...
When asked in a media session if Verstappen races the Mercedes cars differently, Toto Wolff stated: "No, I think Max races Lewis differently. But between the same generation drivers, they're all fierce. They know each other so well." #F1 #AzerbaijanGP
Real recognize real.
When asked in a media session if Verstappen races the Mercedes cars differently, Toto Wolff stated: "No, I think Max races Lewis differently. But between the same generation drivers, they're all fierce. They know each other so well." #F1 #AzerbaijanGP
Facts are being spoken.
When asked in a media session if Verstappen races the Mercedes cars differently, Toto Wolff stated: "No, I think Max races Lewis differently. But between the same generation drivers, they're all fierce. They know each other so well." #F1 #AzerbaijanGP
Another fan was glad that their opinion got legitimacy from the Mercedes team principal.
For all of my criticisms, I’m so relieved that THIS distinction is clear. Yes Toto.
When asked in a media session if Verstappen races the Mercedes cars differently, Toto Wolff stated: "No, I think Max races Lewis differently. But between the same generation drivers, they're all fierce. They know each other so well." #F1 #AzerbaijanGP
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Do you think Toto’s assessment is justified here? Is it just a problem of aggression with the new breed of drivers? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.