Toto Wolff overlooks George Russell’s Brazilian GP radio drama, calls it a ‘complete sideshow’

The Brazilian GP was disastrous for the Silver Arrows.

Toto Wolff overlooks George Russell’s Brazilian GP radio drama, calls it a ‘complete sideshow’

Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and George Russell (via IMAGO)

The Brackley-based team Mercedes faced a series of unfortunate results at the Brazilian GP. George Russell saw a disappointing disqualification from the race due to power unit issues, and Lewis Hamilton managed to finish an underwhelming P8 at Interlagos.

According to the team boss Toto Wolff, the Brazilian weekend was the worst weekend in 13 years for Mercedes. Even George Russell faced a very stressful race as he could not manage the pace and tire stint successfully.

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George Russell was seen complaining about the race conditions throughout the race. The Briton was finding it difficult to maintain his position concerning Hamilton, who was unhelpful to Russell, according to him. Toto Wolff further talked about these radio comms from Russell and claimed that they were ‘irrelevant’.

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I think the race [management] and the messages for us today are completely irrelevant.
Wolff said, as reported by racefans.net.

The Austrian boss later added that the radio comms from Russell were a complete sideshow as there was nothing to manage. Wolff addressed the underlying issue and claimed that the car’s pace was very slow. 

There was nothing to manage or nothing to say, it’s a complete sideshow. I think the fundamental issue is that the car was slow. I’ve no problem with controversial things being broadcasted, fundamentally if there’s no performance like that and it’s off then who cares?

Subsequently, The boss claimed that he had no problems with controversial things being broadcasted about the team.

The radio comms by George Russell that triggered this reaction from Toto Wolff

Russell was either directly behind or two cars behind Hamilton for the entire race that he partook in. The Briton claimed multiple times that Hamilton needed to help Russell and provide him with DRS to stay clear of the constant threat from Sergio Perez behind.

George Russell & Lewis Hamilton
George Russell & Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

The 25-year-old stated tire management issues in turns 11 and 12, where he needed some slipstream and help from Hamilton. However, due to Hamilton’s battle with Fernando Alonso, he could not provide full attention to George Russell. Russell was clearly and frustrated by this gesture from Hamilton and later claimed that he was just burning his tires without any use.

The Silver Arrows are facing a difficult slump at the near end of the season. The team is in a fierce battle with Ferrari for the second spot in the Constructor’s Cup as well. The drivers must work together and string some amazing sessions in the two remaining races to emerge victorious in the Constructors Cup.

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