While he put in strong performances during qualifying at the British GP, Lewis Hamilton has been in some form of a slump for the past few weeks. He has failed to register a single win since mid-may, assisting Max Verstappen to lead the driver’s championship.
So, Bernie Ecclestone, former F1 supremo, took a swipe at the reigning champion, suggesting he is no longer the fighter he once was and the Brit could yet walk away from his new two-year £80M contract.
Then, during the team principal’s press conference, the Mercedes boss Toto Wolff responded to Ecclestone’s remarks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH STORY: Toto Wolff Swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: Funniest Moments From Drive to Survive
What did Toto Wolff say?
“Bernie is always good for banter and headline. He likes to create a little bit of controversy and mess and always has he been. I think it’s good for the sport, good for him,” said Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff.
“Yeah, I think it’s important that Bernie, as the one who created all that, is is still having a strong opinion, is being heard by you guys and that’s legitimate.”
Lewis Hamilton responds to Bernie Ecclestone’s criticism
During the driver’s press conference ahead of the British Grand Prix, seven-time world champion also hit back at Bernie.
“I didn’t know about these statements until I arrived at the circuit,” said Hamilton.
“I’m definitely not the driver I was at the beginning. I’m better and I know myself better than before,” responded Hamilton to Ecclestone criticism. (Translated via Google Translate)
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How is the British GP week going for the Briton?
After five winless races, Hamilton hopes to end Verstappen and Red Bull‘s dominance this season. And things seem to be working out for the Briton; Silverstone is a track that Mercedes have dominated at in recent years, and Lewis has secured pole position for the inaugural sprint qualifying.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: Lewis Hamilton Credits Trainer Angela Cullen for His Incredible Outing at British GP Qualifying
Can Hamilton end his winless drought at this weekend’s British Grand Prix? Or will Verstappen take the race win for the fifth consecutive time this season? Let us know in the comments section below.