Toto Wolff has been Lewis Hamilton’s boss at Mercedes for more than a decade (Image: Getty Images)
has opened up about his candid discussions with following the boss’ “shelf life” remark that stirred controversy.
In the newly released book ‘Inside F1’, Wolff was quoted by author Matt Whyman saying: “We are in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life.”
Despite the furore over this comment, Wolff, who has seen immense success alongside Hamilton for over ten years, stressed the importance of one misunderstood phrase, expressing regret over how “one sentence in a book” could cause such a stir.
Addressing the media, Wolff confirmed he had spoken to Hamilton, stating: “Lewis and I speak – we have always done so – and a sentence that correlates or a sentence that then happens is being made public on the weekend, particularly where he has not been satisfied about his driving and about the car, then one plus one then makes it look bad.
“But one rule that we established very early in our relationship is that we talk immediately and say, ‘Why did you say that? ‘ or ,’What did you mean? ‘ And that is what we have done.”
Wolff added that while it might appear as though he had disparaged his star driver in a way that may have caused some damage between their bond that formed across many wins for their Constructor and Driver’s Championships.
He said: “That was one sentence in a book and there were 99 sentences around the Brazil weekend and quotes in some interviews that I have given about Lewis where I clearly remark that he is the greatest driver of all time and that if we are able to give him a quick car he is going to be able to win, he is able to fight for a championship but we have failed in doing so.”
Lewis Hamilton on the Las Vegas podium. (Image: Getty Images)
Wolff stood firm on his statement that everyone eventually will begin to show a reduction, he himself reflecting on the very position that has earned him multiple F1 constructor championship wins with since becoming team principal.
He noted: “What I said is that everybody has a shelf life and you do not want to become from great to good. That does not exclude the drivers, and it is still something that I stand by. I am asking myself this question all the time and so I do it for the organisation and for everybody around.”
He further reflected on what might seem an almost insurmountable ask in beating a Hamilton in what might appear as the twilight of his racing days for Hamilton.
“We embark on a new future. We have an 18-year-old and a 27-year-old that are going to be our drivers and that is super exciting,” Wolff explained.
“At the same time, personally, we wish Lewis all the best and happiness – and maybe a car that is not so fast.”