Toto Wolff reveals he ‘fell out of love’ with Formula One after Abu Dhabi debacle

Toto Wolff shares details about his complicated relationship with Formula One since the fiasco in Abu Dhabi.

Toto Wolff reveals he ‘fell out of love’ with Formula One after Abu Dhabi debacle

Toto Wolff Via The Daily Express

Toto Wolff has been the Team Principle and part owner of the Mercedes AMG Formula One team for a very long time. Under his management, Mercedes have won an unprecedented 8 constructor’s titles in succession. The 8th came after a controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021. While Mercedes managed to clinch the Constructor’s title, their super star driver, Lewis Hamilton lost the Driver’s title by 8 points.

The troubles began when erstwhile race director, Michael Masi, allowed 5 lapped cars between Hamilton in P1 and Max Verstappen in P2 to unlap themselves during a late safety car. This enabled Verstappen, on fresher tires, to chase down Hamilton and initiate an overtake. The Red Bull driver crossed the finish line to take his 1st World Championship title.

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Wolff made his feelings clear immediately. In his message to the Race Director, which has since become a meme, he said “No Michael no no Michael that was so not right,”. Hamilton did not shy away from the radio either, “This race is getting manipulated man.” he said while trying to fend off a charging Red Bull. While all parties involved appear to have moved on, Wolff admits that Abu Dhabi still bothers him on occasion.

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Toto Wolff discusses the immediate aftermath of Abu Dhabi

Toto Wolff
Toto Wolff

In a recent interview, Wolff revealed the consequences of that fateful night in the desert. “It was tough after Abu Dhabi. I have always liked the principle that the stopwatch never lies; the team that wins is the one that deserves to be the champion. But this was different. At the end of the race, an individual took decisions that were not reflected anywhere in the rule book and were so drastic that they made the outcome unbelievable.” he said.

“That is a moment when you fall out of love with the sport… the principle of fairness was breached. The FIA took the guy out of the job because it was a human error. But it’s done and dusted now. I still think about it a lot, but not with anger; it is just incomprehensible how it came about.” Wolff continued.

Mercedes will be eyeing a return to form in 2023 after an inadequate challenge in 2022. Hamilton will be looking to finally take his 8th World Title and complete his redemption. Fans will be eager to see if the W14 is as competitive or even faster than the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull. The uncertainty will disappear as lights go out at the season opener in Bahrain.

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