“I am getting embarrassed on behalf of Mama Suzie”: Fans react to Toto Wolff’s subtle dig at Lewis Hamilton’s fans
F1 fans were left reeling after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff took a subtle dig at Lewis Hamilton’s “devoted fans” amidst the team’s struggles in the 2024 season. The German team has been struggling for performance consistently and has languished behind Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari for the majority of the season.
With Hamilton having only three races and one sprint remaining in his stint with the Brackley-based outfit, he has been quite vocal about the team’s and his own struggles in the 2024 season despite winning two races this year.
While appearing on the High-Performance podcast, Toto Wolff mentioned that Lewis Hamilton’s self-critical nature helps take the pressure off the team and took shots at his “devoted fans” for blaming them, saying:
“It takes the pressure off the team. He has some devoted fans that will always seek the fault of the team and he takes the pressure off the team. But he’s also very honest and transparent about when somebody gets it wrong either him or the team’s performance or anybody else and I think that means being authentic and credible.”
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F1 fans took to social media to give their reactions to Toto Wolff’s comments about Lewis Hamilton‘s fans on X, with one fan claiming:
“I am getting embarrassed on behalf of Mama Suzie…. Papa T is spiraling.”
“Toto has no safety blanket next year, he will be found out once & for all.”
these ‘candid’ talks are going to be well-received, but he sounds like a d**k. One person taking accountability on a team takes the pressure off? The media and fans thrash Lewis, while Toto skates by, and the car and team have not improved in years—he’s lost it.”
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“Don’t worry Toto.. from next year ALL the pressure will be on,” claimed a fan.
“He shouldn’t be taking all that pressure alone… Also credible… Since when?” asked another.
“What is HE doing to deliver results?? At the end of the day, the buck stops with TP,” remarked another.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton stated that he would be helping the team out as much as possible in data gathering for the next season, despite leaving them in three races’ time.
Speaking with Motorsportweek, the seven-time world champion said:
“Ultimately every bit of input that I put in now, along with George’s [Russell], for example, is contributing to the development forwards. But that’s the job, that’s what I’m paid for.
“I’m not holding anything back from any class sessions. At the end of the day, this is the team that I’ve been successful with for many, many years and I want the team to continue to have success.”
Lewis Hamilton will be replaced by 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli in the team from next year onwards as he joins Ferrari on a multi-year deal.
