© Sebastian Kawka for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix ltd.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff discussed his relationship with Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur in light on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move, and adds “Fred will we be able to have a very good relationship with Lewis”.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur have been good friends for a long time.
However, when Lewis Hamilton’s deal with Ferrari was revealed to Wolff, it admittedly took him by surprise.
Naturally, the media is now assuming that the deal might have fractured the relationship between the two team bosses.
When asked about this, Toto said this is not the case.
“I have great respect for Fred, not only as a racing manager but also as a long-time friend,” Vasseur said.
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“But when he took the role in Ferrari, it was clear that he needs to do the best he can for Ferrari and use every opportunity in order to do that.
“So there is no bad feeling towards Fred trying to get the best the best employees, the best drivers. So that has no effect on the relationship.
“It is a tough competition. It is a cut-throat environment. And as much as I try to do the best for our group, he will do that for Ferrari.”
When asked if he has been in contact with Vassuer since the switch was announced, Toto said:
“[We’ve spoken] numerous times. We’ve coordinated on our communications and I speak to him multiple times every week.
“It’s a little bit like rugby. We punch each other in the nose but we are able to get off the pitch and have a respectful relationship.”
The Austrian added he believes Vasseur (who worked with Lewis in his junior days) and Lewis will have a good relationship.
“As for Lewis, clearly the timing was surprising to us too. I guess what he tried to do is maybe give us a long time to decide what we want to do going forward for next year.
“I have no doubt that Fred will we be able to have a very good relationship with Lewis as his boss. No doubt about that.
“They’ve known each other for more than 20 years, he’s raced in ART. Fred understands racing driver’s minds.
“He does things very differently to me, but they’re very successful, like his track record shows,” Wolff concluded.
