Toto Wolff demands FIA clarity over "Shakespeare novel" messages after Bahrain tempest

Toto Wolff celebrating after Lewis Hamilton's Bahrain victory — Photo: © LAT Images

Mercedes

Wolff demands FIA clarity over "Shakespeare novel" messages after Bahrain tempest

Mercedes boss believes Bahrain turn four was open to interpretation

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 30 March 2021 05:19

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has called on the FIA to ensure it delivers clarity over future messages following the track limits uproar in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.

The outcome of the race hinged on Max Verstappen's pass on Hamilton on lap 53, albeit exploiting track limits at turn four which resulted in him being forced to hand the lead back to the seven-time F1 champion and ultimately miss out on victory.

In contrast, footage has shown Hamilton exceeded the red and white kerbing at that turn on 29 occasions of the 56 laps, yet was never penalised, although was warned by his team - via race control - that continued violations would be punished

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Asked as to whether he was left confused by the rulings handed down by FIA race director Michael Masi across the weekend, Wolff replied: “I am equally confused like you.

"At the beginning of the race, it was said that track limits in turn four wouldn’t be sanctioned.

"Then in the race suddenly we heard that if you continue to run wide it would be seen as an advantage and could cause a potential penalty, which we debated with the race director.

“But there is nothing we could have done. If he makes that call then that is it.

"In the end, that decision made us win the race. Max ran wide in the definition of the race director and gained an advantage. He had to give back the position and that saved our victory.

“We need to be consistent in which messages are being given. They need to be clear, they need to be simple and not a Shakespeare novel that leaves interpretation.”

Following the race, Masi insisted there were no mixed messages, and that Hamilton and Verstappen were not treated differently.

Masi claimed that Verstappen gained what is viewed as "a lasting advantage" as exceeding track limits helped him to complete his pass on Hamilton.

With regard to exceeding track limits in general, Hamilton's moves were tolerated as it was deemed that no "lasting advantage overall" was gained.

It could be argued, however, that in exceeding track limits on 29 occasions there was a combined lasting advantage given Hamilton only won the race by 0.746secs.