Wolff explains letter to Mercedes’ ‘real fans’

Toto Wolff says the purpose of the open letter Mercedes sent out to its “real fans” was to give them an insight into how the team tackles its recent run of reliability issues.

Last weekend’s Russian Grand Prix saw both Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton suffer some glitches on their W07s, though the Briton’s ERS problem at the start of Q3 was the most publicised.

Hamilton’s series of setbacks prompted some of his fans to air their frustration online and accuse Mercedes of favouritism towards Rosberg. This led the two-time Constructors’ world champions to pen a message in a bid to explain in details the technical mishaps and nip sabotage claims in the bud.

“It was a letter to our real fans because what you could see on social media was that they supported us, suffered with us, argued in our cause,” Wolff said in the latest episode of The Siver Arrows Show on YouTube. “That was so nice that we felt we wanted to give them an insight into what was happening and thank them for the support.

“We want to be transparent in our communication, show there’s is nothing we’re hiding. This is how we operate. It was a good example and a good way of sharing our feelings and thanking for the support we get from our fans.”

In the immediate aftermath of the race, Wolff had branded conspiracy theorists as “lunatics”, while Hamilton also dismiss the allegations by defending his team and crew.

The entire Silver Arrows Show can be found below:

OPINION: Why Red Bull is right to promote Max Verstappen

Silbermann says ... Red Bull Clips Your Wings

Scene at the Russian Grand Prix

Breakfast with... Martin Brundle