Wolff: Hamilton doesn't think world revolves around him
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Lewis Hamilton’s qualities stretch far beyond what he shows on the Formula 1 track – and include him not thinking the universe revolves around him.
The world champion delivered perhaps his strongest ever season in 2020 as he roared to his seventh title, matching the record of Michael Schumacher.
The extent of his dominance, however, prompted some to question whether Hamilton's success was down more to his car and the team than pure driver talent.
Speaking to Motorsport.com about Hamilton’s role in what Mercedes has achieved, Wolff said neither team nor driver could be singled out as the most important factor.
However, he made clear that being a top line driver was about far more than just being quick out on track.
“It's not one dimensional,” explained Wolff about the car versus driver debate. “Formula 1 has always been about best man in best machine wins.
“The best men means the quickest driver, and the most intelligent driver. [He is] the one that understands how the dynamics in a team works, its technical ability, and on the other side seeing himself in the right context within the organisation and not like a solar system where everything revolves around the sun.
“Equally, the organisation around the driver needs to be on its absolute A-game in order to deliver performance in the various areas. This means on the engineering side, on the commercial side, on the political side, and on the communication side, in order to keep the wheels rolling.
“This is a business without a silver bullet, contrary to what most people think - even within the industry. It's a business around marginal gains where everything needs to be in the right place for a team to be successful.”
Mercedes and Hamilton are in discussions about framing a new Formula 1 contract for this year, with the previous deal having come to an end of 2020.
While those talks could extend as far as the eve of pre-season testing, Wolff says he has no fears of Hamilton doing what former teammate Nico Rosberg did in 2016 and quit on the spot.
“It doesn't worry me at all, because I will always respect Lewis's decisions,” said Wolff.
“Whether this is staying with us for a long time, or whether that means leaving the sport and pursuing different interests. I think we need to be ready for all kinds of curve balls being thrown at us.
“But at the same time, we talk a lot, and we are very transparent with each other. I think there is more to achieve together.”
Related video
Previous article
Chinese GP promoter seeking 2021 F1 race postponement
Next article
How Russell staked his claim for Hamilton's crown
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Lewis Hamilton |
| Teams | McLaren |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
Why Haas is willing to sacrifice its 2021 F1 season
Every Formula 1 team is facing the same difficult decision this season: how do you split precious aero development time between the current car and the all-new 2022 project?
The big questions of F1 2021 - Karun Chandhok
After an unprecedented season last year, there are plenty of questions and storylines for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign. Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok gives his verdict.
How McLaren F1’s new investors have already made an impact
The deal McLaren concluded with MSP Sports Capital last year which will help the cash-strapped Formula 1 team pay for much-needed infrastructure upgrades, also points toward the future for F1 itself, says GP Racing's Stuart Codling.
Why Verstappen isn't interested in the hype game
In a pre-season where Red Bull has been unusually quiet, Max Verstappen has also been guarded about the team's fortunes in 2021. Even after trying the RB16B for the first time at Silverstone, the Dutchman was careful to manage expectations
The pros and cons of F1's 2021 rule changes
In the strategy for grand prix racing's future, 2021 represents a significant step towards the goal of closer racing and a more level playing field. That's the theory behind the latest raft of changes, but will they have the desired effect?
