Toto Wolff claims he’ll be ‘forever ashamed’ of radio message to George Russell during Austrian GP

Toto Wolff confessed that it was not the smartest decision to shout on George Russell's team radio.

Toto Wolff claims he’ll be ‘forever ashamed’ of radio message to George Russell during Austrian GP

Toto Wolff and George Russell (Via: Imago)

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted that the radio message to Austrian GP winner George Russell was one of the stupidest things he’s ever done. This radio message could have resulted in a crash involving Russell.

Toto Wolff believed he knew the drivers and their needs from spending extensive time with them in Formula 1. However, he described shouting on the radio, decision as the single dumbest thing he had done in his 12 years at Mercedes which could’ve affected George Russell’s race. Wolff indicated that, despite his usual understanding of his drivers’ psychology, he recognized making a significant mistake that stood out as particularly foolish during his years with the team.

I think I know the drivers pretty well and what they need at times to encourage, So I think I know the psychology - but this one is the single dumbest thing I've done in 12 years at Mercedes.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

Further, Toto Wolff expressed his deep regret, he said he will always feels ashamed about the incident. He explained that when giving messages to a driver during a race, it’s crucial to choose the right moments. The Austrian highlighted that it should never be done while the driver is braking or navigating high-speed corners. This timing is critical because these are moments when drivers need the most focus and any distraction could lead to mistakes or accidents.

FS Video
I will be forever ashamed of this. You look at where you message the driver, you don’t do it on braking or in high-speed corners
Toto Wolff stated

Toto Wolff admits he could have taken George Russell out of the race with his message

Toto Wolff acknowledged he could have unintentionally disrupted George Russell’s race by the wrong timing of his communication. He confessed that he didn’t check the GPS or Russell’s location on the track before sending a message. Instead, his decision was driven by emotion when he observed Red Bull and McLaren’s collision. The decision was driven more by the excitement of potentially winning the race than by strategically assessing Russell’s situation.

I didn't look on the GPS or where he was. I just saw these two taking each other out. We anticipated it and then just emotionally pushed the button and said ‘we can win this’.
Toto Wolff added
george russell and toto wolff
George Russell and Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)

Toto Wolff acknowledged that he could have accidentally disrupted George Russell’s race by sending a message at the wrong time. Wolff said his emotions, particularly enjoying Lewis Hamilton and George Russell doing well, influenced his actions during the race.

I could have taken him out with that message. I’m emotional, I enjoy us doing well and enjoy seeing Lewis [Hamilton] and George doing well.
Toto Wolff stated

Certainly, Toto Wolff expressed he was very pleased seeing the opportunity for Russell when the incident took place. Mercedes boss expressed he really enjoys when his driver’s achieve something in Formula 1. Fans were very happy seeing Russell take a surprise victory at the Red Bull Ring.

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