© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Toto Wolff says Mercedes’ goal in the “war of words” with Red Bull is to “de-escalate”, while “unfortunately, the opposite happens on the other side”.
In the last two races ahead of the Formula 1 summer break the on-track battle between Red Bull and Mercedes also continued off the track.
A lot of harsh words have been said, especially by Red Bull who brought into question Lewis Hamilton‘s character and integrity.
Toto Wolff explains that the “war of words” between certain individuals within the teams does not influence the overall respect that the teams feel for each other.
“It’s very important to not generalise Red Bull or Mercedes,” the Austrian told Motorsport.
“It is very much a team sport, and there are individuals involved.
“Just because certain individuals don’t go on well with each other, it doesn’t mean that you are disrespecting the other entity and the people that work there, who are trying to do the best possible job in order to fulfil their own dreams and overcome their own worries.
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“So there is always respect for these organisations, and for the people in the organisations, and for the people in the teams.”
Wolff was then asked if he was surprised at how quickly the relations between Red Bull and Mercedes “broke down”.
“The relationships were never splendid, and that comes from the sheer competition that we have.
“But I would say that in the war of words, we have tried to maintain our cool, stay level-headed and not fuel controversy and polarisation among our fans even more.
“The aim was always to de-escalate. Unfortunately, the opposite happens on the other side,” concluded Mercedes’ team boss.
