Toto Wolff Details How He Overcame ‘Frosty Relationship’ With Mercedes Leading Man Lewis Hamilton

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton are undoubtedly one of the most successful team principal and driver duos in Formula One. Both the boss and driver seem really close; however, the Mercedes boss shares that always hasn’t been the case. Till now, the boss-driver duo has won six drivers’ titles and eight constructor’s titles. However, like most relations, there have been ups and lows between the two driving forces behind Mercedes. Wolff has shared one of those ‘low’ moments and how he gave his ace driver a pep talk to resolve the matter.

What did Toto Wolff say to Lewis Hamilton to fix their relationship?

In the 2016 season, the relationship between Wolff and Hamilton got bitter when the Briton lost the championship to Rosberg. Therefore, the Silver Arrow boss met with Hamilton after the season on Christmas and talked to resolve the issue.

Wolff shares what he said to Hamilton on Christmas, “I said we need to decide whether we want to work together or not. ‘You want to win as a driver, I want to win as a team. Sometimes our different agendas are going to lead to conflict and we need to decide whether we can cope with that situation.

ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton on the Hunt as Toto Wolff Makes Grim Threat to 2022 F1 Grid

“We were in my kitchen. I said to him, and Susie didn’t much like this analogy, that even though Susie and I might disagree about something, it would never come into my mind to divorce. ‘And it’s the same with you Lewis,’ I said. ‘I don’t want a divorce. You’re the best driver. I want you in our car and we want to provide you with the best car.’”

Mercedes’ pre-season failure worries Lewis Hamilton

The Bahrain pre-season testing is over but it was disastrous for the last year’s champion constructors. Mercedes came to Bahrain testing with some questionable upgrades, but they didn’t help much with the performance. The Mercedes drivers were having a hard time driving in the Bahrain heat.

Further, the seven-time world champion is also worried about his team. He further reveals that the Brackley base is not ready to win the Bahrain GP or even fight for the championship at the moment. Instead, the 37-year-old said “I think Ferrari, for what I can see, today Ferrari would probably be getting a one-two. Maybe Red Bull”

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton’s Incredible Car Collection

The season opener in Bahrain is only a few days away. Currently, Lewis Hamilton is back at Brackley and busy working on the W13 for the upcoming challenge. It would be thrilling to see whether Lewis Hamilton surprises the world again by winning the first race.