![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-04-30-at-4.09.02-PM.jpeg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy : Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-04-30-at-4.09.02-PM.jpeg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy : Imago
Max Verstappen during the 2021 season dive bombed Lewis Hamilton at every chance possible. Now, when George Russell gave Max a taste of his own medicine, he went Gaga all over the place complaining and cribbing about Russell lacking common sense. Toto Wolff has now come to Rusell’s defense as he reminds Max Verstappen of his previous shenanigans. Let’s dive deeper and find out how it unfolded.
George Russell caused significant damage to Max Verstappen’s car at the Baku sprint in an attempt to pass him. Russell was aggressive and stamped his authority on the corner by taking the apex. Verstappen decided to hang on the outside and paid the price. However, what Russell did sounds very similar to what Verstappen used to do with Hamilton in 2021 when he was driving an inferior car to Mercedes. The crash at Monza in Turn 1&2. Then the crash at Silverstone when he did not leave Hamilton enough space on the inside.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1019394946h.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Imago
Toto Wolff AUT, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, 63 George Russell GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 17, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Photo by HOCH ZWEI Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates *** Toto Wolff AUT, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team , 63 George Russell GBR, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team , F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 17, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Photo by HOCH ZWEI Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Verstappen’s attacking comments about Russell and his driving sound ironic after recalling all these incidents. Toto Wolff recently came to George Russell’s defense, suggesting both the drivers were somewhat responsible for the incident. One may be more than the other. He also suggested that Verstappen does not have any grudge against Mercedes and that he only raced Lewis Hamilton hardly and aggressively when compared to other drivers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to motorsport.com, Toto Wolff said, “No, I think Max races Lewis differently. But between the same generation drivers, they are all fierce, but they know each other so well.” “They had this situation probably the first time when they were 10. So it’s racing. I don’t know if it’s 70/30, 60/40, or 50/50. It is going to be in that ballpark.”
Toto Wolff suggested that it depends on the person’s perspective on how much one driver was responsible compared to the other for the crash. Nevertheless, Toto Wolff recently explained how he does not hate Max despite the on-track rivalry and is actually impressed by him.
Toto Wolff impressed by how Max Verstappen has grown
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Toto Wolff suggests Verstappen has changed a lot over the years. The driver who risked everything once is now calculated about his moves. He’s only 25 and has grown a lot to not make silly mistakes anymore. Wolff explained how he is impressed with the Dutchman’s raw edge, comparing him to the greats like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago30640672.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Imago
Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, United States of America. Sunday 22 October 2017. Adrian Newey, Chief Technical Officer, Red Bull Racing, and Toto Wolff, Executive Director (Business), Mercedes AMG. World _O3I4493 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY
According to F1Maximaal.com, Toto Wolff said “Max, combined with his car, is the benchmark. He has grown up like this and makes no more mistakes. Max is only 25 years old, right? You wouldn’t think someone is so mature at that age, including in terms of their outlook on life. That’s impressive. Whether it’s Max, Lewis, Michael Schumacher, or Ayrton Senna, they’re all different. But they all have a raw edge. I love people like that, difficult people. That often means they have more ambition and more dedication.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this Story: Are Lewis Hamilton & Mercedes Exaggerating Their F1 Struggles in 2023?
What do you make of Toto Wolff’s comments?
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Banner-12.png)
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.