Lewis Hamilton has revealed that Toto Wolff has been ‘a part of every single meeting’ Mercedes have had over the past two race weekends, despite his physical absence.
A knee operation has seen Wolff miss both the Japanese and Qatar Grands Prix, with the Austrian expected back in the paddock for this weekend’s race in Austin, Texas.
The team principal has been instrumental in creating the success that Mercedes have enjoyed in previous years, with many wondering how the team would cope without the 51-year-old’s trackside influence.
Hamilton has since disclosed that Wolff has nonetheless played a significant role for the team while Wolff has been off the track recovering from his operation.
He’s a part of every meeting, even though he’s not present in person and is obviously heartbroken that he can’t be,” Hamilton told the media.
He is using the comms for strategy all weekend, just like the guys at the factory are. Despite not physically being in the nation, he is still an integral part in every way. He participates in those meetings and speaks in each one of them just as he does here.
Hamilton: We try to make Wolff proud
āHeās worked incredibly hard to set up this team to be where it is today and he should be able to have weekends off without a problem,ā the seven-time world champion added.
He has the right to if he wanted to but itās just because heās recovering. I just tell him weāll be pushing and I just always tell him donāt worry, you set up a great team, weāll try and do you proud.ā
The race for P2 is still very close even though Red Bull has secured the constructors’ championship with five races remaining.
Ferrari is currently in third place, 28 points behind Silver Arrows, followed by Aston Martin, 68 points back, and McLaren, another 11 points back.
At this weekend’s US Grand Prix, Wolff will therefore be hoping that his team can widen the gap between itself and Ferrari.
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