F1 News

Wolff: Changing chassis is 'part of the plan'

Wolff: Changing chassis is 'part of the plan'

18-06-2021 15:21
1
Author profile picture

Cameron Smith

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have swapped chassis for this weekend's French Grand Prix, with the seven-time world champion using Bottas' chassis. Boss Toto Wolff was keen to express that his drivers frequently change parts, and that this was not an irregular occurence.

Speaking to Sky Sports after FP2, in which Bottas and Hamilton were second and third respectively, Wolff was fairly happy with the session. He said: "I think it's always going to be tight at the front. Some good runs, some less good runs but a lot of good paces."

When asked why Bottas and Hamilton had swapped parts, Wolff replied by saying "They swap parts around all the time. This is part of the planning as we carry over chassises, they carry over to a second season. It's good to get the feedback, if it calms the drivers mind we have spare chassis which is a brand new one, we can always do that.

"It's the chassis that was splendid in Monaco, that qualified Valtteri right up front but you never know. You listen to the engineers who say it's all tested, there shouldn't be any difference. But if the driver feels it's not, it's not us trying to make a point here."

Pirelli issues

Speaking about the current issues with the Pirelli tyres, Wolff revealed his throughts on the situation: "I think it's all about policing it in the right way and it was clear that something needed to be made clear. Interestingly, some cars were running few pounds lower on pressures and full pressures after the race. So, the question for Pirelli and the FIA was why are some cars with running with a few pounds less after the race and that is why they clarified what is being measured."

Brake magic button

The cause of Hamilton's lock-up at the restart in Baku was determined to be due to him hitting the brake magic button, an issue that has now been fixed. According to Wolff, they have rectified the issue: "It's just a little cover over the button. And, now we need to find out how we can actually reach the brake magic because at the moment - he is saying that he is not completely happy with how to reach the button. On the left hand side at the back."