“Don’t Want a Puppy”: Toto Wolff Takes Veiled Dig at Red Bull Duo, Praising “Alpha Drivers” Lewis Hamilton & George Russell

It is no secret that Max Verstappen is the main man in the Red Bull camp and Sergio Perez plays the secondary role. The Dutchman’s refusal to follow team orders on Sunday gave a glimpse of the hierarchy in the Red Bull camp. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, however, feels there is no such hierarchy in his team and was confident a situation like Red Bull’s would not arrive for the Silver Arrows.

Sergio Perez has happily played the role of a secondary driver for Max Verstappen whenever needed. His most famous sacrifice came in the Abu Dhabi GP last season when the Mexican held Lewis Hamilton until Verstappen arrived to race for the finish line. Had it not been for Checo, Max may not have won the 2021 drivers’ championship.

Toto Wolff confident a Red Bull-like situation won’t arrive at Mercedes

Max Verstappen refused to return the favor when his teammate Sergio Perez needed it. During the latter part of the Brazilian GP, when the Red Bull strategists realized Perez could not overtake Charles Leclerc, they told Verstappen to pass Fernando Alonso and then steal as many points from Leclerc as possible. However, he was also told to give the position back to his teammate in case he does not pass Alonso. The Dutchman openly refused to follow the orders and finished ahead of his partner.

As per Sky Sports, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff talked about the dynamics of his team. Talking about George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, Toto said, “They are both alpha drivers and this is good.” 

He added, “We don’t want a puppy [possibly a secondary driver] in the car. We manage that as well as we can.”

Read More: Lewis Hamilton Following F1 Hero Ayrton Senna’s Footsteps Invokes Emotional Response From His Mother: “She Wanted Me to Say…”

Russell and Hamilton both raced to the finish line against each other. However, both drivers remained respectful and did not make any aggressive maneuvers. The result was Mercedes’ first win of the season.

George Russell reveals what it was like racing against Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is arguably the most successful driver ever in Formula 1. Surely his presence on the track has got to be intimidating. Talking post-race, Russell told how it was like racing against the 7-time world champion.

He explained, “You know, when you look into the mirrors and you see Lewis Hamilton there, I just knew how fast he was and I was driving the race of my life.”

George also opened up on how much lucky he considers himself to be Lewis’ teammate. “I just feel so fortunate to be alongside him. I’m learning so much. He’s really really pushing me.”

Watch This Story: WATCH: George Russell’s Lonely Moment on Baku Podium Amid Glorious Red Bull Celebration

Mercedes’ resurgence of late has brought back the excitement in F1. Do you think we will get to see some thrilling races next year? Or will Red Bull once again have a dominant run?