Wolff 'authentic with his emotions' but under no pressure from Red Bull and Horner

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insists he is under no pressure from either Red Bull or Christian Horner in this season's F1 title fight.

In São Paulo, there was a considerable outpouring of emotion from Wolff at the end of a grand prix won by Lewis Hamilton in sensational style after he had started last in Saturday's sprint race and in the wake of the Max Verstappen overtaking controversy.

Over the radio, Wolff said to Hamilton 'F*** them all!' before a camera picked him up in the garage to which he directed a pointed finger and a comment difficult to lip read, although the look on his face was stern.

Across the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, Wolff became embroiled in further banter with Horner, in particular, during a bristly press conference when they were sat alongside one another.

Asked whether he was feeling the pressure of the title fight, Wolff responded: "I don’t feel pressure.

"I think I’ve felt pressure in my life at various other points that are ridiculous compared to what I had in my personal life.

"I’m very passionate about it and I protect my tribe and my driver and when things are going against me you will see the emotions. You need to be authentic about it."

Given the events that have unfolded recently, in particular, with Horner warned by the Qatar GP stewards for calling a marshal at the event "rogue", it now remains to be seen whether the two men will cool their animosity towards one another.

With two races remaining in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, and with the destiny of both championships finely poised, Wolff is hoping the spotlight shifts off him and Horner and towards where it needs to be directed - on Hamilton and Verstappen.

"I think there is a bit too much focus and emphasis on politics and off-track trash talk," added Wolff. "I think we need to concentrate on what’s happening on track."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Aston Martin set to go even FASTER as Honda chief fires warning to F1 rivals

• 1 hour ago

Red Bull announce their new Helmut Marko after poaching Mercedes F1 talent guru

• 2 hours ago

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff green lights potential Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli driver pairing

• 2 hours ago

Adrian Newey reveals next Aston Martin F1 plan after mega upgrades in Hungary

• 3 hours ago

F1 News Today: FIA confirm another Antonelli punishment as stewards backed over ‘painful’ decision

• Today 07:27

Max Verstappen reacts to stunning F1 Lewis Hamilton overtake at Hungarian Grand Prix

• Yesterday 22:27