Police: 'No criminal offense’ in Mercedes email sabotage claims

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Northamptonshire police in the UK say that they have found no evidence of “criminal offenses” in the case involving an anonymous email accusing the Mercedes F1 team of sabotaging Lewis Hamilton’s efforts.

Following a complaint from Mercedes, authorities were entrusted with an investigation into the nefarious email that was sent last week to selected members of the F1 paddock, including media, ahead of last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

The anonymous group sending mirrored the tactic used earlier this year to spread rumors about Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

The content of the email, described as “upsetting” by Mercedes F1 team principal and co-owner Toto Wolff, and allegedly penned by a member of the Brackley squad, implicitly suggested that Mercedes is purposefully hindering Hamilton and prioritizing teammate George Russell because of the former’s impending move to Ferrari in 2025.

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“It’s not from a member of the team,” commented a none-too-please Wolff last weekend in Barcelona.

“When we’re getting this kind of email, and we’re getting tons of them, it is upsetting, particularly when somebody talking about death and all these things.

“So, on this particular one, I have instructed to go on full force. We have the police enquiring it. We’re researching the IP address.”

On Tuesday, however, the Northamptonshire police released the results of their investigation, concluding that “no criminal offenses” were identified.

"Northamptonshire Police received a report on 12 June regarding an email that had been circulated within the Mercedes AMG F1 Team," a spokesperson for the authorities told the BBC.

"No criminal offences were found to have been committed. However, advice was given regarding any further emails the team may receive."

The nature of this advice remains confidential, but it suggests the authorities believe such communication, even if not explicitly criminal, could be disruptive or harassing, and should continue to be monitored by Mercedes.

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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.