Despite Taking Blame for Lewis Hamilton’s Miseries, Toto Wolff Given an Earful for Failed Promises

In Formula 1, engineering a dominant car is perhaps the biggest factor that determines success. However, the recent dip in performance of the Mercedes team in Brazil has the F1 community raising concerns over the team’s future. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix unfolded as a nightmare for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. And while Team Principal Toto Wolff took the blame for their inexcusable performance, the echoes of unfulfilled promises are ringing louder than ever.

Mercedes’ woes at the Interlagos Circuit began in qualifying, where they found themselves over seven-tenths behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen. The struggle for pace also persisted through the sprint race and the main Grand Prix event. The silver arrows only managed to compete at the bottom end of the point-scoring positions. And with Mercedes failing to provide a competitive car to Lewis Hamilton. A certain three-time Grand Prix winner has called out Toto Wolff.

Johnny Herbert calls out Toto Wolff for broken promises as he takes the blame for the Brazil Slump

The disappointment in Brazil reached its peak when George Russell was forced to retire due to a power unit issue, while Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in 8th place. In a candid assessment, Austrian Team Principal Toto Wolff labeled the weekend as Mercedes‘ worst since their return to the Formula 1 grid in 2010. The team’s decision to run a high-downforce rear wing at Interlagos, to enhance cornering performance and tire protection, proved futile. It only ended up adding to the car’s drag and lack of speed on the straights.

“Inexcusable performance. There are not even any words for that… This car doesn’t deserve a win,” Toto Wolff told Sky Sports when asked to explain the debacle in Brazil. The gravity of the situation was evident, with Wolff fully acknowledging and taking the blame for the team’s poor run of form.

While Wolff shoulders the responsibility for Mercedes’ on-track struggles, three-time Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert has raised questions about the promises made by the team. Herbert, in no uncertain terms, called out Mercedes for failing to deliver on their commitment to provide the 7-time World Champion with a competitive car this season.

“I do remember them saying at the end of last year. They promised that they would have a better car, and they didn’t do that,” Herbert told Express Sport. “It’s shown glimpses of it, but it’s just glimpses. That goes back to Max [Verstappen] delivering every time he gets in the car because he’s got the car to help him do that. Can Lewis do that if he’s given the car? Yes, he can.”

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The uncertainty is looming large over the team’s form in 2024. And Sir Lewis Hamilton has finally decided to take matters into his own hands.

Lewis Hamilton says he’ll look after the 2024 car’s development during the winter break

As the criticism mounts and questions linger about Mercedes’ promises. The 38-year-old Brit is taking an active stance to address the team’s performance issues. The Billion Dollar Man has revealed his hands-on approach. He stated that he has been studying rival cars to gather crucial information for the team’s aerodynamics department.

“You know, it’s nice definitely to be progressing, and we have seen progress with this car. So fingers crossed for winter,” Hamilton shared with Channel 4, as per PlanetF1. He disclosed his regular communication with the head of the aerodynamics department, Jarod Murphy. “I’ll be staying. I’m in touch with the head of Aero and I’m just, like, checking up on him every week. Like, ‘How are we doing and what have you tried? Where’s the progress? Have you tried this?’”

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s commitment to improvement goes beyond discussions alone. He has also been actively taking snapshots of rival cars, including the AlphaTauri, providing the Mercedes factory with valuable insights. The seven-time world champion emphasized the need for crucial development over the next six months to close the gap with Red Bull.

“We’ve got to hope for the next six months to be the greatest six months of development that we’ve ever had to close that gap and to be really banging on the door,” Motorsport.com quoted Lewis Hamilton. However, the immediate battle for Mercedes is the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where the team faces a crucial battle against Ferrari to secure P2 in the Constructors’ Championship.

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With Red Bull’s dominance and challenges looming on the horizon, the winter break becomes a critical period for Mercedes to regroup, strategize, and deliver on promises that have come under scrutiny. So, do you think the Silver Arrows can use this winter break to get closer to the Red Bulls? Share your thoughts in the comments below.