Ever since the rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull picked up, neither team has let go of an opportunity to pull the other one down. When the Silver Arrows ruled the grid, the Austrian team tried finding minute details to use against them. Now that the Milton-Keynes-based team is at the top, it is Toto Wolff & Co leading the charge against them. But is Toto’s crusade to save Lewis Hamilton and George Russell‘s campaign the most ethical battle?
The friction between Mercedes and Red Bull reached its crescendo in 2021 when both were almost equally competitive. But because it was the former who was in a better position, the latter lodged complaints against them for the most naive reasons. Things got way out of hand when the Christian Horner-led team tried to get the FIA involved, alleging their rivals using an illegal power unit. However, times have changed since the introduction of the cost cap and ground-effect regulations. Mercedes have struggled since their advent and try to get the ruling body involved whenever possible.
Co-hosts Matt and Brian discussed Toto’s latest crusade against Red Bull and trashed him for it in a recent episode of the Red Flags Podcast. Take a look at the conversation between the duo.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Matt: Yes, he’s (George Russell) trying to get the refs involved. It’s the same with Toto, ‘oh Lewis’ poor back. Our driver’s safety’. They’re hysterical in their own way. They’re trying to get the FIA to [get involved]. Because, honestly, the FIA should try to tighten it (the grid). It’s in their interest to tighten it up a little bit just so it’s not f*cking boring.
Brian: That’s the whole point of the whole regulations is, ‘we’re going to make this closer, we have the cost cap to make it closer’. Like, right now, we are seeing one of the most dominant cars potentially in the Formula 1 history.
Matt: You want to know why? Because Toto Wolff s*cks at his job.
Brian: (Sarcastically) But he’s a billionaire, Matt. So, he has to be smart.
Matt: He’s taking advantage of a corrupt system. Now that the system is less corrupt, he ain’t got sh*t. He should have stuck to f*cking finance which has no cost cap, which barely has any f*cking rules and regulations.
Owing to the ongoing Mercedes slump, Toto has faced quite some flak from fans. He, however, remains adamant and has refused to let go of his position as the team principal.
Toto Wolff will not step down as Mercedes boss
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Toto took over the team boss’ job at Mercedes in 2013. Since then, he has tasted unprecedented success, winning 8 consecutive world championships. The cars his team has built under his leadership are among the most dominant and innovative F1 has ever witnessed. But currently, they are going through the most difficult phase they’ve seen in recent times. The Austrian manager, however, refuses to let go of the reins.
In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, he said, “Yes, this is what I do and this is my company. The ‘problem’ is that I can’t leave, I’ve thought of other scenarios, even the possibility of moving to Thailand, of changing my activities, basically of changing my life. But in the end, here I am, I’m in my own company, I’m one of three shareholders and I honestly think I’ve had a great opportunity to be where I am. It is important to remember this especially when there are ups and downs.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Inside F1’s New Miami Track; Host of 6 Super Bowls
Roles between Mercedes and Red Bull may have reversed since last year, but the entertainment for the neutral hasn’t. Surely it’ll only pick up further if Hamilton and Russell can challenge for the wins more often.