Formula One’s 2023 season concluded last month with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the countdown to the 2024 season will start soon after the winter break. The season saw a lot of ups and downs, moments of absolute thrill and disappointment, especially for Mercedes. Red Bull Racing bossed the season by securing constructors and drivers’ titles before the season reached its final stage.
Max Verstappen was crowned world champion for the third time in a row, and Red Bull fell short of a 100% win record with just one race going against them. Nonetheless, their domination scaled new heights this season. Having said that, the 2023 season lacked wheel-to-wheel racing, which irked Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff as he demanded changes for the forthcoming season.
Toto Wolff Backs Qatar GP-Like Environment Despite Backlash Over Track Conditions!
The 2023 F1 season seemed dull to many fans in terms of competitiveness and close wheel-to-wheel racing. Red Bull’s ace Max Verstappen raced alone at the front of the pack almost through the entire year. As his teammate, Checo, also struggled to handle the sheer pace of RB19, Verstappen faced no immediate competition. However, the Qatar Grand Prix held earlier this year proved to be an exception. The weekend was gripped with drama and close racing. While Carlos Sainz witnessed a fuel tank failure, Lewis Hamilton crashed into his Mercedes teammate George Russel on the turn of the initial lap. Moreover, throughout the race, fans witnessed an increase in overtaking chances, which left them thrilled.
Even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is of the same opinion. In an interview with Motorsport, Wolff said overtaking has become worse in the past couple of years. Pirelli tyres are unable to handle the modern F1 cars, which is diminishing its competitiveness. While Qatar GP came under scanner over extreme climate conditions, Wolff feels it was good for the sport in terms of racing. Undoubtedly, overtaking chances witnessed a surge. But drivers struggled to grapple with the heatwave. Logan Sargent had to retire, whereas Esteban Ocon threw up in his helmet. “It’s all about thermal management. So, I’d like to have races like Qatar where you just go flat out,” said Wolff. Undoubtedly, the racing part of the Qatar GP was a visual treat. However, drivers cannot be put at risk in extreme conditions. Going forward, FIA does not only have to increase competitiveness but also ensure drivers’ safety.
Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Accused Of Leaking Confidential Information
Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has landed in a conflict of interest controversy as the off-season kicked off. Wolff, as an F1 team principal, possesses a lot of confidential information shared with him during F1’s official meetings. Some of that information is not meant to be shared with any other entity other than F1 or FIA.
However, Toto Wolff’s wife, Susie Wolff, is currently the managing director of F1 Academy, which is owned by FOM. Thus, the Mercedes boss has been compromised, feels rival F1 team principals as they lodged a complaint to authorities. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly aware of the accusations but is yet to investigate the issue.
