“Can You Shut Up & Find a Way”: Lewis Hamilton & Co. Face Immense Backlash From Their Own Fans After Toto Wolff Drops Worrying Truth Bombs

All the teams now have their report cards in hand following the completion of the three days of preseason testing. Though it was Mercedes the public was rooting for, it turns out that Toto Wolff, of all people, has sidelined his team’s performance. Instead, the Silver Arrows team boss announced an unexpected team to have more chances of vying for the championship in the forthcoming season than Mercedes.

The fans anticipated a bang this year after last year’s dismal campaign during which Mercedes struggled with porpoising. However, rather than making a strong comeback this year, Lewis Hamilton and Co. were perceived as being weaker than their usual rival Red Bull. The Brackley-based team may be disappointed because, aside from day 3 when Lewis Hamilton set a new lap record of 30 minutes, 664.5 seconds using ultra-soft tires meant for Monte Carlo rather than Bahrain, neither of the Mercedes drivers made it to the top five.

Despite the team’s concerning situation, Toto Wolff was reported making claims that Aston Martin might be the team to contend for the championship this year. While talking to the Auto Motor und Sport, Wolff said, “By our calculations, the Aston Martin could end up in second place.” 

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton & Co’s Bluff Called Out After a Disappointing Start in Bahrain Triggers a Concerning Response

The Silver Arrows fans didn’t take this statement kindly and went on Twitter to express their disappointment.

Twitter F1 fans show their resentment of Toto Wolff’s recent statements

Fernando Alonso appeared to have faith in Aston Martin’s plan and the self-assurance of the Silverstone-based squad when he made the choice to quit Alpine. And as the Spaniard took to the Bahrain circuit replacing Sebastian Vettel, he hammered the track with lightning-fast hits. The team looked great during every preseason testing day, with the two-time champion finishing inside the top three on Days 1 and 2 and the new Aston Martin getting placed in the top ten on Day 3. The AMR 23 has performed very well in the corners.

Even so, despite Aston Martin’s tremendous effort over the winter, Silver Arrows supporters were unable to accept Wolff’s plaudits as a good sportsmanship gesture. We have brought you some of the reactions from the incident.

Fans were seen talking jibes at the Mercedes boss. Some of them even questioned the data collection of the German manufacturers.

WATCH THIS STORY: From Mercedes’ Eye-Popping Sidepod Design to Ferrari’s Pace: Best Moments from F1 Testing at Bahrain 1st Day

With the outcomes of the preseason testing, The Silver Arrows may be contemplating something. The team must take all necessary precautions and provide the seven-time champion with a competitive car in order for him to win the much-awaited eighth world championship. Keeping that in mind, do you believe the Silver Arrows can compete with the resurgent Ferrari and mighty Red Bull?