Toto Wolff explains why Mercedes swapped Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas’ chassis, and adds the team has a brand new one if Lewis needs it.
Mercedes decided to swap chassis between Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for the French Grand Prix, to even out the mileage on the two cars.
After Friday’s free practice sessions Valtteri Bottas seemed to get a good feeling from the new chassis, while Lewis Hamilton said he is experiencing problems. However, the Briton denied this was due to the chassis.
Although Wolff insists the two chassis are identical, he adds the team has a brand new one ready if Lewis is not happy.
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
“We swap parts around all of the time and this is part of the planning as these are carried-over chassis [from last year],” said the Austrian.
“They are being run for a second season so we are not accumulating millions of miles on one and that is part of the plan.
“But it is good to get the feedback and if it calms the driver’s mind, we have a spare chassis which is a brand new one. We can always do that.
“You listen to the engineers that say it is all tested and it is all stiff and there shouldn’t be any different.
“But if the driver feels it is not, then it is definitely not worth trying to make a point here. You just need to change.”