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Toto Wolff caught in the backlash of his ‘Shelf life’ comment on Lewis Hamilton

Toto Wolff sparked a fresh controversy after he commented about Hamilton’s exit from the Mercedes team. Presently, the team boss himself has come up with an explanation.

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Venkatakrishnan
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Toto vs Ham

(Source: Instagram)

Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff faces backlash after he commented on Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Shelf life’. The British driver announced that he would be leaving Mercedes by the end of the year. He will be joining the Ferrari team alongside Charles Leclerc as he wants some motivation somewhere else.

The Mercedes team also respected the British driver's announcement and signed Kimi Antonelli as the new driver for Mercedes next year. But now Toto Wolff got himself caught in a fresh controversy for a comment he made on Lewis Hamilton.

'Shelf life' comment

The Team principal said Hamilton’s decision to leave the Mercedes garage is also positive for the team as they don't want to tell him to stop by themselves. Wolff said “It avoids the moment where we need to tell the sport's most iconic driver that we want to stop. There’s a reason why we only signed a one-plus one-year contract.

We’re in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life.” That Shelf life comment sparked the controversy as many fans questioned Toto on in what basis he made that comment.

Also Read: Sergio Perez Sr. goes after Schumacher ignites new homophobic comment on the German

Toto Wolff clarifies

Now Wolff himself clarified that his context was misrepresented by many. He said, “What I was referring to was that all of us age, whether it is in a car, on a pitch, or as a manager or entrepreneur. And that is what I am trying to do with myself; understand, ‘Am I going from great to good? Because good is not in Formula 1 anymore.”

Toto Wolff acknowledged that Lewis is not able to perform well because he doesn't have the right machine. He also feels Mercedes aren’t able to give Lewis the car which makes him perform at his best. This year Lewis Hamilton won only two races so far and his last win before came back in the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Heading into the Las Vegas GP George Russell is leading Hamilton by 2 points. Mercedes are fourth in the constructors championship.

Also Read: 2024 Las Vegas GP Predictions: Will Max Verstappen win his title in Sin City?

Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton Toto Wolff Mercedes
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