Mercedes and Ferrari are two teams that have cut-throat battles on the racetrack. Like the three-way battle Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Sergio Perez had at the 2022 British GP. This year too, they have fought for podium places, albeit more for P4 and lower. But, in Austria, Ferrari strongly overtook Mercedes in terms of race pace. So, it is common for drivers to be seen fighting on and off the racetrack. But what do you do when the Team Principal of one team looks like he is threatening the driver of their rival team?
When Mattia Binotto was the Team Principal of Ferrari, he was often seen reprimanding Leclerc. During the British GP weekend in 2022, Binotto was sternly explaining something to the Monegasque and pointing his index finger at him to emphasize his point. The Italian was also present at Silverstone on Friday. But this time, it is not him that has scolded Leclerc. It is Toto Wolff who looked like he was scolding the 25-year-old racer.
what is going on here? 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/yE5QaRhQnA
— clara (@leclercsletters) July 8, 2023
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On Saturday at Silverstone, naturally, the paddock was bustling. Drivers, team principals, mechanics, camera crew – all making their way into and around the team offices. One particular interaction between Toto Wolff and Charles Leclerc looked something out of the ordinary. Wolff, on his scooter, was accompanied by his wife, Susie Wolff, when he came across the Monegasque driver. During that interaction, Wolff seemed to be chastising the Ferrari racer for something. And such a photo was exactly what Twitteratis needed so that their inner comedians could rise and shine.
The comments section under that photo went wild as fans came up with unique theories and assumptions.
Fans Unleash Inner Creativity as Conspiracy Theories Galore After Charles Leclerc Gets Seemingly Scolded by Toto Wolff
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell struggling in the W14 is no recent news. A couple of months ago, the 7-time champion was rumored to be moving to Ferrari as well. If that had happened, maybe Leclerc would have been traded to Mercedes. But none of that happened. Still, for some reason, Wolff is angry at the Monegasque driver who looks like he has just accepted his fate.
Twitter is such a beautiful thing when it comes to creative keyboard warriors devoid of negativity. Here is the variety of theories that fans came up with about what might have been happening between the duo:
“you leave ferrari as soon as possible”
— julia ✿ (@seeinglando) July 8, 2023
" £60M a year plus point bonus, 5 years contract …. My final offer…" 🤣
— D_L (@Mospeedy) July 8, 2023
“Go in there and tell them that you will not drive a shitbox!”
— Generic Swimmer (@GenericSwimmer) July 8, 2023
You should think carefully Charles, I can offer you a much better car!
— Franco Lyners (@Zuffenhauzzen) July 9, 2023
“you better stop doing that! you’re supposed to suck with ferrari so mercedes can do good”
— Carolina Dess (@lina_dessob) July 9, 2023
"Beat that RB up, son or you won't be able to use this scooter."
— c h i 🔜 🇬🇧 GP (thinking of going to AusGP 2024) (@1ecler6) July 8, 2023
In a way, Wolff might have taken over Mattia Binotto’s job to traumatize Leclerc into conceding positions to Mercedes on Sunday. Well, that’s what these fans believed:
i'll leave this here pic.twitter.com/xk34MZQgaL
— Sciarles Leglerg (@Yakzy17) July 8, 2023
toto trying to be binotto
— mia⁴⁷ (@formulamia16) July 8, 2023
The following theory was probably the most interesting and peculiar one:
They’re adopting him.
— Dewa🧣⁽ᵀⱽ⁾ (@dewabloom) July 9, 2023
Leclerc is also one of the most good-looking drivers on the grid. Maybe Mr. Wolff is warning him of staying away from Mrs. Wolff?
Charles must’ve rizzed up Susie 😭😭😭
— Sheikh Antony Bin-Santos 🇶🇦🏴🇭🇰🔰 (@UTDAntonySantos) July 8, 2023
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And here’s one fan bringing up Wolff’s radio message from Austria to rub salt in Mercedes’ wounds:
“I know your team is bad”
— Laur 🍊 (@PivaLasVegas) July 9, 2023
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Who knows? Maybe Wolff asked Leclerc to give the British GP up. After all, it is the home race for both Mercedes drivers. Do you have any more theories that could fit the situation better?
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