F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Wolff: Hamilton annoyance with strategy call 'completely normal'

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had no issues with Lewis Hamilton's frustrations in Suzuka, insisting the Briton's complaints over his team's strategy call were "completely normal".

Hamilton concluded his Japanese Grand Prix in third place, behind winner Valtteri Bottas and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.

Despite helping Mercedes seal its sixth consecutive Constructors' title, the reigning world champion felt he could have beaten his teammate to the checkered flag had his team relied on a one-top strategy - rather than a two-stopper like Bottas - and provided him with "better guidance".

Wolff took note of Hamilton's criticism, but downplayed its importance, insisting the decision from the Mercedes pitwall to put the Briton on the same strategy as his teammate was a tricky call.

"Lewis in third was always between a rock and a hard place," Wolff said.

"When you’re in the lead, you need to protect your position. When you’re third, you can take more risks and more chances.

"It happened at the start, Valtteri was in the lead and Lewis was third or fourth and this was when the race was decided.

"What we did is protect the lead with Valtteri and took the pace out of his race, once Sebastian pitted for his second stop.

"All the good drivers are annoyed when they can’t win so it is completely normal.

"Also, for us - and Lewis knows that very well and has total understanding for us in the garage - it's very difficult to take the right decisions in order to ensure maximum points.

"As long as you embrace the different positions, we have always come back, discussed it and moved forward as an even stronger unit."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

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…

12 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…

13 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…

15 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

16 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

18 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

19 hours ago