Wolff 'learning' from Grenfell controversy

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has promised to "develop and learn" from the team's partnering with controversial insulation firm Kingspan.

Mercedes proudly announced Kingspan as a global sustainability partner earlier this week with the company to chair a new sustainability working group for the F1 team.

The partnership, however, quickly brought about unwanted negative attention due to Kingspan's involvement in the Grenfell Tower fire that saw 72 people lose their lives with unsafe cladding allowing the blaze to spread.

After correspondence with the survivor's group 'Grenfell United' played out in the public domain, Wolff agreed to meet in person to 'better understand' the disaster.

Asked if he held any regrets over signing the partnership, Wolff conceded: "We all develop and learn in our lives and this is clearly a situation that will make me improve in the future with my decision making and...full stop.

"Everything I say more is just putting me in a worse situation."

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has put his name to a number of causes this year yet now finds himself in the eye of a storm not of his making.

Hinting the Kingspan branding could be removed from his car, Hamilton said: "Unfortunately, my name is associated with it because it [the logo] is on my car. But whether that remains the same we shall see.

"We know there has been a huge outcry and an amazing amount of support from people for the community around there.

"It [the sponsorship deal] really doesn't have anything to do with me. I know Toto is sorting it."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

US star turned down Red Bull F1 contract: 'This is why I didn't sign it'

• Yesterday 23:55

Sky Sports F1 pundit stars in James Bond movie

• Yesterday 22:42

Red Bull copy Ferrari as major 2026 upgrade revealed

• Yesterday 21:56

'F1 used to be pure but the races were boring': Star claps back at Max Verstappen moans

• Yesterday 21:30

Mercedes beware: McLaren are bringing ‘a completely new car’ to the Miami Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:45

Commentators give Max Verstappen new nickname after 'impossible' Nürburgring move

• Yesterday 20:00