F1 pundit questions Wolff’s Mercedes leadership

Toto Wolff’s driving style at Mercedes has been questioned by Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz, who believes the team boss has made worrying decisions for 2023.

Mercedes, who won eight consecutive constructors’ championships and seven consecutive drivers’ championships in Formula 1 between 2014 and 2021, are now looking to win just one race in the last two seasons. This autumn, Mercedes launched the disappointing W13 and W14 cars, which suffered from designs related to the failed Zero concept.

After a very disappointing qualifying session at the Bahrain Grand Prix at the start of last season, Wolff announced a radical change of direction for the team, effectively abandoning the Zero Concept in a bid to attract rivals Red Bull. Kravitz, who now calls Wolff the best leader on the grid, said his handling of the situation was not one of the team boss’ best decisions.

“The only thing I would criticize him for was his willingness to abandon his concept after qualifying in Bahrain,” he told the Sky Sports podcast. “We don’t know why he joined what Lewis Hamilton called the ‘bad car sisters.’ The W14 was the sister of the W13 and neither was a great car. “It must have Toto’s signature.” As a leader, he could have said, “I don’t agree with this. Let’s go with the Red Bull concept.” “He signed and after the first [preliminary] session – I remember the interview well – he became very strong and I was surprised when he said that.

“He said this car was weak. That is bad. That’s after selection. The first race.

“I know it’s true, but the only [reason] was to throw the whole concept straight into the trash. I don’t think I’ve seen Toto’s calm and confident driving.”