Mercedes boss Toto Wolff 'authentic with his emotions' but under no pressure from Red Bull and Christian Horner

Toto Wolff in Brazil — Photo: © LAT Images

Mercedes

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

Mercedes boss claims he has faced worse pressure in his personal life

Ian Parkes

Sunday 28 November 2021 05:00

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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.

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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."