F1 Australian GP: “The rules of the sport are the key DNA,” Toto Wolff slams usage of restarts for the sake of entertainment
According to Toto Wolff, the rules of Formula 1 is the DNA of the sport.
Toto Wolff. Image via Twitter
The Australian GP had all the entertainment in the world. The race was filled with drama. It had three red flags and three standing starts. And in the end, it was the reigning champion, Max Verstappen, who won the race. It was the Dutchman’s maiden win in Albert Park. However, the entire race was criticized by the drivers and team principals. Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, was one of them.
There were delayed decisions by the FIA. There was confusion over the restart order to finish the race under the safety car. The FIA finally reinstated the order as the previous restart (the one before the last red flag). The cars with heavy damage, like the Alpines, were out of the race. Due to this decision by the governing body, Fernando Alonso resumed the race in P3. Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez also gained an advantage. Toto Wolff did not have any complaints about the interpretation of the rules by the FIA. But, he wants a clear definition of the rules.
Toto Wolff stated, “I’m generally in favour of offering good entertainment. But the rules of the sport are the key DNA. [We need to define] what a VSC is, what a safety car is and what a red flag is. I think restarts are great and a great entertainment factor. We just need to understand, going forward, when are red flags being put out.”
Toto Wolff is in favor of entertainment as long as the rule interpretations are clear
Wolff further added, “I think those incidents, you could have applied either. I think why Formula 1 is so successful is because it’s a sport and we follow the rulebook.But that gives great entertainment and I think, as long as it’s clear how this is being interpreted – I’m fine. Whether you call a VSC or Safety Car or you red flag it, as long as we understand in terms of us being able to plan a little bit, or having the same rules for everyone, then that’s OK!”
Toto Wolff urges the FIA to enforce the same rules for everyone. The Austrian also revealed that his wife found the race entertaining. However, the drivers and team principals are caught up in their bubbles, focusing on the lap times and other things in the garage. The spectators enjoy a thrilling race. The Australian Grand Prix delivered what the fans wanted.
Toto Wolff had mixed reactions after the race. He was delighted with Lewis Hamilton’s podium. It is the seven-time world champion’s first podium in the 2023 season. However, Wolff was sorry for George Russell. The young Briton had to retire from the race due to a mechanical failure. Mercedes are not known for their reliability issues. This was an unfortunate one, and the team will need to check and fix the problem before Baku.
In case you missed it:
- F1 Australian GP: “Too harsh,” Fernando Alonso disagrees with the stewards on Carlos Sainz’s penalty.
- F1 Australian GP: Charles Leclerc miserable following first-lap DNF, deems 2023 season as the “worst ever”
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