Equal opportunity approach challenging but right - Wolff

40

Toto Wolff believes that providing equal status to two world class drivers has been a challenging task for Mercedes, but it has been well worth it.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur yesterday at the headquarters of sponsor and partner Petronas, where Mercedes celebrated its driver and team world titles, Wolff paid tribute to the German manufacturer's efforts in F1.

"As a group, we have now won World Championships with both of our drivers - something that was last achieved in the 1980s by McLaren with Senna and Prost.

"That kind of comparison makes a big statement about the hard work put into achieving these results by every single person at Brackley, Brixworth, Stuttgart and here in Kuala Lumpur - including, of course, both of our race drivers."

While managing and balancing its magic duo of drivers hasn't always been clear sailing for Mercedes, Wolff says it's approach has been the right one.
"When we first brought Lewis and Nico together as our driver pairing back in 2013, we made it clear that there would be no number one status for either of them - and they didn't want that either.

"We knew we had two world class talents on our hands and that giving them equal opportunity to fulfill their potential would bring the best out of them.

"At the same time, we knew that this approach would sometimes give us some tough moments to deal with. It's something we took into account and accepted as a challenge worth tackling.

"When you see the results we've had together, it's clear that this is the right approach. One of the keys to our success has been that they constantly push each other - and that in turn kept raising the bar even higher.

"They are both born fighters and the intense competition has been good for them, for the team and for the sport."

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Quotes of the week

DRIVER RATINGS: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

OPINION: A worthy champion

Jenson Button's F1 career: 17 seasons, 15 wins

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.