Hamilton praises Toto Wolff: 'A very approachable leader'

It is no secret: Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff have long had a tight friendship. Until two years ago, they dominated Formula 1 with Mercedes, now Red Bull Racing has surpassed the German team and the British driver. A year without a Grand Prix victory is not what Mercedes are used to, so criticism arises. Also on Toto Wolff.

However, Lewis Hamilton is by no means letting the team boss down now that their performance has been less than expected. "Toto's an amazing leader and I've known him for a long time," the seven-time world champion told the media - including GPblog. "We joined the team at the same time and it's been an interesting journey for both of us to grow with the team."

"He hasn't lost an ounce of his competitiveness. He's massively competitive. You see it on TV when he's sitting at his little desk in the garage. He is trying to find a balance between his work life and family life; I think he's done a really great job there. He continues to push everyone."

Hamilton sees progress with Wolff

Hamilton and Wolff were at the factory in the UK this week. "Yesterday, we were talking to the team together, and he's a very approachable leader. I think people can relate to him and his emotions. Just to his compassion for all his drive. He's very understanding, and I think it's definitely not been easy for anybody in the team when you're working towards something that's not quite going the way you want it. I think there's been a lot of lessons, and I've been really proud to see the progress that he's made just as an individual and as a human being as well."