Lewis Hamilton has been with the Mercedes team for more than a decade. The Brackley-based team backed him in transitioning from a young, skilled racer to a motorsport superstar. Furthermore, the Briton treasured several career-defining experiences with Toto Wolff and company. However, things changed dramatically with the final race of 2021.
While the FIA issued new regulations, the Silver Arrows altered their driver lineup. The team passed up Valtteri Bottas in favor of young British racer George Russell. While the team anticipated an excellent future for the youngster, they were unaware that this may backfire. Two years later, the British combo of Hamilton and Russell still has intense dynamics. Fans have accused the team and George Russell of undermining the seven-time world champion. However, Ferrari Boss Fred Vasseur has supported Mercedes, claiming all the online comments as ‘irrational.’
“No One In The Paddock Could Do Something Like This,” Vasseur Slams All The Online Critics
The problems between Hamilton and the team are not new, but his most recent statement inflamed the debate. The fire began in Monaco, where Hamilton, in hushed tones, stated that he could never outrun George Russell. Furthermore, supporters accused the team of’ sabotaging’ the veteran driver when it was revealed that Mercedes was only providing the new front wings to George Russell. Although Hamilton subsequently emphasized that he did not use the new setup, people began to make sarcastic comments. Furthermore, they suspected that German Marque was mistreating Hamilton as he had signed a contract with Ferrari. Furthermore, his reticent tone during post-race interviews supported his followers’ perceptions. As a result, Mercedes and George Russell experienced massive backlash, and their social media was full of cynical comments.
Things took a peculiar turn when Mercedes received an anonymous email. The email was drafted by an unknown sender who accused the Silver Arrows of ‘sabotaging’ Lewis Hamilton as he was about to leave. Further, this incident infuriated the F1 community, and Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur supported the rival team. He said it’s irrational to think that a company of 1500 people pushing day and night to bring upgrades would deliberately hamper one of its cars. The Ferrari boss was shocked by the claims and confirmed no one in this paddock could do something like this.
Toto Wolff Calls For Cops After The Team Received A ‘Disturbing’ Email
The email received by the Mercedes crew was disturbing for the team. Toto Wolff, via De Telegraaf, claimed team personnel would never send a text like this. He further mentioned the email contained words like ‘death’, and thus, he called the police.
Moreover, Wolff asserted he had been friends with Lewis Hamilton for over twelve years. Their friendship goes beyond the F1 paddock and will continue in the same way. Therefore, he suggested that online haters seek professional help, as all the accusations seem crazy.