Toto Wolff, Mercedes Formula 1 boss, hopes that Mercedes’ statement would hold the evolving Silverstone controversy.
Wolff believes its rival team, Red Bull, has delibeartely attempted to tarnish Lewis Hamilton’s respect. He expects the statement issued will clear the air and will “bring respect back to the discussion”.
The issued a statement on social media platform after FIA rejected Red Bull’s “right to review” petition. Red Bull had earlier claimed that the new evidence will be submitted to FIA. In return, they expected a harsh penalty for the British driver.
Max Verstappen and Hamilton collided in the first lap at British Grand Prix. It led to a 51G impact on the Dutchman car.
Mercedes hoped the ruling to discard Red Bull request will stop the controversy any further. They hope that it will “mark the end of a concerted attempt by the senior management of Red Bull Racing to tarnish the good name and sporting integrity of Lewis Hamilton”.
Mercedes motorsport boss explain the need to issue the statement. Wolff explained that it was necessary after Red Bull had “overstepped”
He said: “I think we wanted to bring a little bit of respect back to the discussion.
“We understand that emotions can run high and that is always a matter of perspective and perception. But we felt that that line was overstepped.”
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Wolff revealed that he has spoken to his counterpart at Red Bull, Christian Horner, for the first time since collision. He showed his displeasure over “emotional” and “heated” course of action by the RB and had asked him to “de-escalate” the situation.
Wolff said: “I think the remarks that were made during and after the Silverstone Grand Prix were just elaborated further in the [Red Bull] document [submitted to the FIA].
“[The comments were] not always looking at the incident only, but giving it a wider taste. That was beyond other things, just a step too far.
“I think the things were said and written were very emotional and heated.
“Everybody does other things in the way they want and can.
“I don’t want to ignite even more the fuel, the fire, and the controversy.
“What we need to do as a sports teams is to de-escalate and not create more polarisation in the social media.”
