The Mercedes chief was quoted in the book Inside Mercedes F1, released earlier this month, as having told author Matt Whyman: “We are in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life,” when speaking about 39-year-old Hamilton’s decision to join rivals Ferrari.
In that same interview, Wolff had been full of praise for a driver he has worked with for more than a decade, during which time they have enjoyed remarkable success together. And the Austrian pointed that out as he lamented that “one sentence in a book” had made so many waves.
He confirmed that he and his driver had spoken about the matter as he told reporters: “Lewis and I speak – we have always done so – and a sentence that correlates or a sentence that then happens is being made public on the weekend, particularly where he has not been satisfied about his driving and about the car, then one plus one then makes it look bad.
