Wolff defends Hamilton: "He is the best that has ever been"

For years, Lewis Hamilton was the driver who brought in the largest number of points for Mercedes, but that changed with the arrival of George Russell. The talent still managed to finish in the top five every race, gaining 37 more points than Hamilton for now. According to Toto Wolff, however, this says nothing about Hamilton's quality.

Wolff experienced many successes with the seven-time world champion, so he knows better than anyone what Hamilton is capable of. This season, for the time being, he does not live up to expectations. This is partly due to the porpoising that the driver experiences in his car, but that is not the only problem.

Looking at the points difference with Russell, it also seems that Hamilton is not in form. Talking to Channel 4, Mercedes' Austrian team boss does not want to go along with the idea that Hamilton is winding down. "I don't think it's like [he is in decline]. He is the best that has ever been," Wolff revealed.

Wolff says he saw at the Barcelona Grand Prix that Hamilton is still capable of achieving great things. "We have seen Lewis in Barcelona, he was the genius that we know, so I think what I enjoy is them working together and trying to bring the car back to the front."

The team boss also points out that Hamilton showed just how good he is at Abu Dhabi late last season. According to Wolff it is impossible that the successful driver would just lose his qualities. He therefore expresses confidence that Hamilton will return this season.