Formula 1: Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes© AFP
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff said “diplomacy” had ended as he demanded a review of an incident from last weekend’s So Paulo Grand Prix on Tuesday when Red Bull’s Max Verstappen forced Lewis Hamilton off the track. appeared to do. Mercedes, convinced that Verstappen, then leading the race, defended a corner very aggressively during the 48th lap as title rival Hamilton attempted to overtake him. Defending champion Hamilton was kicked off the track but the stewards decided not to take any action against the Dutchman at the time.
“I’ve always been very diplomatic in how I discuss things. But diplomacy has ended today,” Wolff said.
Mercedes now admits they have fresh, incriminating evidence in the shape of footage of Verstappen’s car, which may suggest a voluntary swerve from the driver.
Wolff complained that the absence of any penalties for Verstappen was unfair, especially in light of the penalty awarded to Hamilton over the weekend.
The seven-time world champion was disqualified from qualifying and went to the back of the grid after the stewards upheld a Red Bull complaint, using their DRS system (on the rear wing of the car that opened up to gain top speed). flap) exceeded the permissible limit.
“We have many, many punches this weekend with decisions that could come in either side for us or for us,” Wolff said.
“When the decisions are always against you, it’s something that I just annoy me.”
After starting 10th on the grid, Hamilton eventually won the race in one of his biggest drives at Interlagos.
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Championship leader Verstappen was second in second Mercedes ahead of Valtteri Bottas, and has a narrow lead of 14 points with three races remaining of the season.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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