Wolff praises 'lucky bastard' team principal: 'I enjoy seeing that!'
Toto Wolff smiling in the pit lane - Photo: RacePictures
Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
"Obviously, the lucky bastard is more jovial. Because, as team principals, we get lots of the criticism, but also the glory when others are doing a great job."- Toto Wolff
Carlos Sainz secured the first podium under James Vowles leadership.
"Obviously the lucky bastard is more jovial," the Austrian began jokingly about Vowles. The two team bosses know each other well, as the Brit previously worked for Mercedes.
Wolff continued: "Because, as team principals, we get lots of the criticism, but also the glory when others are doing a great job.
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"And I'm 100 percent convinced that James is a great contributor to the team's success and to the long-term thinking.
"Everybody delivered (in Baku). The driver delivered, the pit stops were good. Overall it's a trajectory that I enjoy seeing with him and for the team," he concluded.
Sainz managed to snap a four-year-long podium drought for the Grove-based team last Sunday.
James Vowles celebrating Carlos Sainz's podium with his team - Photo: Race Pictures
Wolff also praised Russell's pace
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Starting from P5, Russell finished in second place in Azerbaijan. According to Wolff, the British driver had the pace to race Max Verstappen at the front, had he qualified further up the grid.
"But our first analysis showed that we were within a tenth of Max in [terms of] pure performance.
"So I think, yes, it would have been a race at the front, at least.
"Whether it would have been enough for a win, I don't know, but the car was good on both tyres and his pace was impressive," the Austrian explained.
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