F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Wolff ridicules rumors of fallout with Hamilton

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff rubbished rumors that Lewis Hamilton had fallen out with the Austrian in Melbourne following Wolff's initial opposition to the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.

McLaren's withdrawal from F1's season opening round on the Thursday, when one of its employees tested positive for the coronavirus, triggered a series of meetings to decide the race's fate.

As F1 and the teams considered moving ahead with the curtain-raiser or an outright cancellation, Hamilton expressed in no uncertain terms F1's then decision to run the race as scheduled.

"I am very, very surprised we are here," the six-time world champion told the media on the Thursday. "I think it’s great that we can have races, but for me it’s shocking that we’re all sitting in this room."

Hamilton then said that "cash is king" for F1, adding "I don't feel like I should shy from the fact of my opinion."

A rumor later emerge that behind the scenes, Hamilton was displeased by Wolff's support for the race taking place, a stance the Mercedes boss later changed following a phone conversation with Daimler chairman Ola Källenius who believed that Mercedes could suffer reputational damage if it raced in Melbourne.

However, speaking to Austrian newspaper Osterreich, Wolff denied any friction with Hamilton.

"Total nonsense! Lewis and I were in conversation every second in Australia, and also on that night when the cancellation occurred," Wolff explained.
"We also speak to each other every other day. Our relationship is closer than ever. We also talk about our future every day. But there is nothing dramatic about it.

"Everything indicates that we will continue in a similar form as today."

Hamilton has yet to decide his future in F1 beyond 2020, but Wolff is also in contract negotiations with Mercedes, although talks have temporarily been "pushed into the background" as F1 deals with the coronavirus crisis.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Michael Delaney

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…

38 mins 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…

2 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…

4 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…

5 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…

7 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…

8 hours ago