Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has declared that Lewis Hamilton’s podium result in Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix will silence conspiracists’ claims he’s been sabotaged.
The German outfit’s weekend preparations in Barcelona were overshadowed as an email did the rounds indicating that Hamilton was not being given equal treatment.
However, Wolff denied the allegations had emanated from an individual in the Mercedes camp and revealed the police are now involved in discovering the perpetrator.
Hamilton’s challenging start to the term ended at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as he converted third place on the grid to land his first podium since last October.
Wolff has hinted that the seven-time champion’s breakthrough with the ever-improving W15 will put to bed lingering insinuations that he’s been put at a disadvantage.
“These conspiracy theorists, I have zero respect for, because they have no brain,” he insisted.
“We want a car that wins races and championships and who doesn’t get that should be watching another sport.
“It’s good to see that he has had a great weekend, because it has been a while that he has been on the receiving end and strategy has worked against.
“But today that went in his favour and so I am happy we have that podium for him because it has been a while.”
Hamilton shielded team-mate George Russell from the recent criticism he had been receiving prior to the weekend as he argued that his compatriot “can’t be faulted”.
Wolff harbours no concerns that the relationship between his current drivers could deteriorate, citing that competition is natural when a side grows more competitive.
“There will always be a rivalry between drivers, especially when the car is capable of winning. It’s normal,” he explained.
“But the two are very respectful to each other. We are very transparent in the team.
“That’s a lesson I have learned, we are not holding back, we are not letting anything grow in terms of animosity and from that angle, I think it’s business as usual.”
