Wolff reacts to Hamilton's claims about running F1

Toto Wolff distanced himself from Lewis Hamilton's suggestion that he would be the perfect candidate to run Formula 1 in the future. Having initially claimed that Wolff may be seen as too biased for the job, Hamilton backtracked on his comments in Austria.

The reigning world champion said: "I think Toto could do a pretty special job. Would it be better? I do believe it would be better, but that’s just from the experience of working in this organisation and seeing it improve drastically since I’ve been in the team." Reports have already suggested this year that Wolff could replace Chase Carey, with the Liberty Media chief on a deal that runs until 2020, when Wolff's contract with Mercedes is also thought to expire.

However, the Austrian is happy in his current role, having overseen the Silver Arrows' dominance of F1.

"I'm running Mercedes and I really enjoy doing that," Wolff told Sky Sports.

"We [Wolff and Hamilton] didn't speak to each other, so I think he spoke his heart after the race and then he thought about it and then he wanted to change his opinion, fair enough.

"It's good that he's thinking about how F1 can be run in the best possible way and I think we need the best people, but I'm very happy doing what I do."

With Hamilton having recently attended key meetings regarding the future of F1, which will see regulation changes come into effect in 2021, Wolff has backed his star man to take a leading role in guiding the new rules.

"We started to talk a bit, I strongly encourage hm to come to the meetings he has been there this morning at the tyres [meeting between teams and F1].

"He's the most successful current F1 driver and has a good opinion, and the drivers should speak their minds and say what they think. They are driving the car and they should be involved in achieving the best regulations for next time around."

Related

F1 News & Gossip

F1 owners CONFIRM massive £3.5bn acquisition

• April 1, 2024 12:57

Latest F1 News

Major F1 acquisition to be announced 'next week' as new details emerge on £3.5 billion splurge

• March 31, 2024 20:57