Toto Wolff feels ‘sorry’ for worthy winner Max Verstappen after controversial end to Abu Dhabi GP

Toto Wolff feels ‘sorry’ for worthy winner Max Verstappen after controversial end to Abu Dhabi GP

Max Verstappen

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal has finally appeared in the media, and gave his views on several topics. On Thursday morning, Mercedes announced their intention to withdraw their appeal, and congratulated Max Verstappen for his maiden F1 title.

In his latest interview, Toto Wolff reveals that he feels sorry for Max Verstappen as fans are questioning whether he deserves the championship. FIA’s controversial decision to end the Abu Dhabi GP with a final lap showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen has been doing the rounds this week, which has cast a shadow on Verstappen’s maiden title.

“I also feel sorry for the Max because everyone is talking about the controversial rule decision and he is a worthy winner, a champion, and of course this discussion casts a shadow on that. And of course that’s something he personally doesn’t deserve,” said Wolff.

Abuse against the team, Lewis, me, my wife is anything but unacceptable: Toto Wolff

Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff
Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff gave his opinion on the Dutch fans, who seem to dislike the Mercedes chief. The Austrian stated that it is the passion of the fans, and one must accept others perceptions. Dutch fans often term Toto Wolff as a sore loser.

However, Toto Wolff is against the abuse his team, Lewis Hamilton or any of his family members receive.

“I think what makes this sport is the passion of our fans. I respect the opinion, the perspective & the perception of the Dutch fans. You have to understand that there are other opinions and other perspectives,” said Wolff.

“As long as the passion for the sport and the drivers is in the foreground, that’s okay with me.
The abuse that takes place on social media against the team, against Lewis, against me, against my wife is anything but unacceptable,” he added.

Toto Wolff congratulated Max Verstappen and the Dutch fans for this historic moment, and stated that the young driver deserved to be the F1 champion. “At the end of the day, I don’t care but it’s not the way real fans talk to each other. And by real fan I mean myself. I respect all of the Netherlands, Max, & I am happy they can celebrate their first F1 champion. Because they deserve it. Max deserves it too,” Wolff added.

Also Read: Mercedes set to ‘scrap’ appeal against Max Verstappen after Lewis Hamilton’s intervention