Wolff: 'There are people I see through in manipulative, amateurish behaviour'

Toto Wolff gets on well with most of the people in Formula 1 's paddock, but there are some he doesn't like. The Mercedes team boss says there are some individuals in Formula 1 who have lost his respect 'forever'. The reason? Dishonest behaviour.

Specific names are not mentioned by Wolff. It's possible that it could involve Ferrari. The Italian racing team reportedly drove an illegal engine in 2019, knowing that the hidden technical gadget was actually illegal. As a result, it benefited from extra engine power for a huge number of Grands Prix, is Mercedes' reading after Ferrari signed a secret contract with the FIA.

Wolff speaks a clear language

Whether it's about Ferrari or not, Wolff wants nothing to do with individuals who have damaged the sport and thus ensured its integrity is compromised. "Because I’m passionate about the sport and the values of the sport. It’s a competition that should be carried out on fairgrounds And there are people who have lost my respect for good in recent years," Wolff said in an interview at The Race.

According to Wolff, it's not just one incident that happens, but something structural. He can take it badly. "And others that I see through their manipulative, amateur Machiavellian behaviour." To end on a positive note, there are also people for whom the Austrian does have a lot of respect. "And then there are people within the industry that I respect a lot, and I have friendships with them. They try to do the best for the sport, whilst maintaining a neutral position to all teams.”