F1 whingers should have more Valtteri Bottas-like "integrity" - Toto Wolff

Bottas, Mercedes, Styria — Photo: © LAT Images

Styrian Grand Prix

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F1 whingers should have more Bottas-like "integrity" - Wolff

McLaren moaned to the FIA about Bottas' pit-lane spin

Ewan Gale

Sunday 27 June 2021 08:00

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has suggested F1 rivals should hold themselves to the integrity standards of Valtteri Bottas after accusing them of "armageddon scenarios" in the wake of his driver's three-place grid drop at the Styrian Grand Prix.

Bottas was punished for a spin out of his pit box during the second practice session that saw him slide past the McLaren mechanics.

McLaren team manager Paul James immediately radioed FIA race director Michael Masi to complain about the dangerous nature of the "absolutely ridiculous" incident.

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The penalty means the Finn will start the race at the Red Bull Ring from fifth after qualifying just under two-tenths of a second shy of Max Verstappen's pole position time.

“First of all, it is highly entertaining how quickly some sporting directors jump onto the channel to Masi and come with armageddon scenarios," said Wolff.

"It is good that these channels are now opened up so we can all have a laugh.

“On the flip side, Valtteri spun in the pit lane and could have hurt somebody and whether this is walking speed like it happened on Friday, it still can hurt somebody in the end.

Bottas "honest and straightforward with explanation"

Wolff had stated his belief the penalty was "pretty harsh" ahead of the qualifying session in Spielberg.

Elaborating on his view, the Mercedes team principal explained how Bottas had been forthright with his explanation of what had happened to cause the spin.

“I understand the penalty," he conceded. "Do I find it harsh? I find it harsh, particularly against someone like Valtteri who is never putting a foot wrong.

“He was very honest and straightforward with his explanation. Many others would have come out and said ‘I don’t know what happened. The banner on the floor, the sponsorship on the floor was slippery and you really need to change the way you paint because I had no idea what would happen’.

“He came out and said ‘I tried to optimise my starts and I lost it.’

“We should have a little bit more integrity like Valtteri has around the paddock, including some ones that push the button very quickly and moan about everybody else and whinge.”