"But we had to cover Leclerc and Norris because we would’ve been undercut, so that was the call."
Hamilton later was handed a 105th victory of his F1 career when Russell was disqualified due to an underweight car.
Hamilton was on a two-stop strategy - and on fresher tyres - while Russell was the only driver in the top 10 to make just one pit stop.Hamilton appeared to be frustrated after the race at Spa, saying to Oscar Piastri in the cooldown room that his tyres were completely fine when he came into the pits on both occasions.“I’d like to have two winners today,” he said. “But we had to cover Leclerc and Norris because we would’ve been undercut, so that was the call. George had nothing to lose.
“The one-stop and the two-stops were showing P5 so we just kept him out. He was very good. Lewis was very good.Assessing Russell’s strategy, Wolff conceded that he didn’t think the one-stop strategy “was possible”. “We didn’t think it was possible,” he added. “But, at a certain stage, we said ‘let’s stay out’ because we would have finished fifth anyway, in both scenarios. He made it last.”Even factoring in Russell's DQ, it’s been a remarkable turnaround for Mercedes, having not finished on the podium up until the Canadian Grand Prix.Wolff credited their turnaround on Friday after a disappointing showing in the Friday practice sessions.
“On Friday we weren’t competitive, so we expected, in the best case, a podium,” he explained. “Then the team did really work well overnight in Brackley. The engineers at the track took the right decision. The car was good on a one-stop.“We changed the floor. But I don’t think the new floor was bad. On the contrary, we found overnight that we’d tripped on a mechanical issue. We saw that the mechanical issue on the car was better.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Toto Wolff reveals 'bruising' element behind Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari move'It was clear it was leaking from Ferrari...'
Weiterlesen »
Toto Wolff reveals "extensive” floor damage played role in Lewis Hamilton’s ‘bad day’Toto Wolff reveals Lewis Hamilton had "extensive" floor damage on his way to P4 in Austria.
Weiterlesen »
Toto Wolff makes big Lewis Hamilton prediction after ‘bad spell’ continues in AustriaToto Wolff has vowed to help Lewis Hamilton win a race before he sets off for Ferrari at the conclusion of 2024...
Weiterlesen »
Toto Wolff admits “bruising” aspect of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit"I can get my head around why he is doing that. I have peace with him"
Weiterlesen »
Toto Wolff defends Lewis Hamilton's 'screwed me over here' complaintsToto Wolff has wondered: 'Why would you favour the driver that stays? For what reason?'
Weiterlesen »
Does Toto Wolff have any regrets about Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes?Toto Wolff was asked if he regrets Lewis Hamilton's decision to quit Mercedes for 2025.
Weiterlesen »