F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hamilton 'stronger than ever' after relationship reset - Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Lewis Hamilton has emerged stronger than ever following a reset of his relationship with the German squad.

Wolff revealed that an in-depth discussion with the Brit at the end of last season following a difficult campaign enticed the driver to come back with a fresh mindset and more determined than ever.

"There was a point towards the end of the year where we sat down and it felt like a reset of the relationship," said Wolff.

"So many things came out which needed to be discussed, and since then I have perceived him as being in a really good place.

"He's happy and motivated and I've seen the strongest Lewis on track that I've seen so far consistently over the weekend."

Following a performance in Melbourne which some have called a bit disappointing, Wolff also defended new recruit Valtteri Bottas.

"He's competitive and probably setting his own targets," explained Wolff.

"It's the right attitude, but he has really progressed well over the days he has been in the car and coming out that close in various sessions during qualifying is actually what we have hoped for.

"So there is an awful lot of pressure if you're being put into that car next to Lewis and he has coped very well."

"You need the talent to drive this car on the edge with the right speed and then you need to have the diligence and the understanding of doing the office job right.

"And I think there was never any doubt on him being able to drive the car fast and now it's about putting the dots together and learning and developing and so far he didn't do any mistakes.

"He kept driving and you can see how the times are coming together."

Gallery: all the pics from Saturday's action

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

27 seconds ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

1 hour ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

17 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

20 hours ago