Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has pledged to make a significant adjustment for the upcoming British Grand Prix, following a stern warning from Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.
The British driver faced criticism from Wolff after expressing a series of complaints during the race in Spielberg.
Hamilton’s frustration boiled over when he received a five-second time penalty, leading him to demand penalties for other drivers as well.
He also voiced dissatisfaction with his Mercedes W14 car as the team fell behind Ferrari and McLaren in the pecking order.
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In response, Wolff intervened, taking control of the radio conversation with race engineer Peter Bonnington in an effort to calm Hamilton down.
He straightforwardly told the driver, “Lewis, the car is bad, we know. Please drive it.”
Reflecting on the incident, Hamilton acknowledged the direct nature of his partnership with Wolff and recognised the team principal’s intention to encourage him.
Hamilton conducted an investigation ahead of the Silverstone race and expressed his commitment to adjust his team radio comments in the future.
He stated, “The best thing about our partnership is that we are direct with each other.
“Toto is an out-and-out racer who was just trying to encourage me.
“That was his way of doing it. I have reviewed my comments, and where I was at mentally.
“I will adjust that in the future.”
Following the race, Wolff revealed that his conversation with Hamilton was motivated by the best interests of the drivers and the team.
He emphasised that his involvement aimed to calm down the driver, who was experiencing frustration behind the wheel.
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Despite the admonishment, Wolff expressed confidence that it would not have any negative consequences for a potential future partnership.
Contract negotiations between Hamilton and Mercedes are still ongoing, with a formal agreement yet to be finalised.
As the British Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Mercedes to see how they respond to the tough outing in Austria.