Wolff: "Hamilton/Vettel collision a closed chapter"

The Baku collision between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel has prompted a wide variety of reactions from across the F1 fraternity and beyond - but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is keen to move on from the matter following the FIA's decision not to punish Vettel any further for his part in the incident.

The contact between the two drivers, which occurred at the end of a Safety Car period in Azerbaijan, earned Vettel a ten second stop-go penalty later in the race as well as three points on his Super Licence, making a one-race ban a certainty if he offends again. An apology to the FIA in Paris saved Vettel from any greater punishment, and in response to this, Wolff has said that he is keen to leave the controversy alone.

"Every great Formula One season is marked by a great rivalry," he explained. "Last year it was our internal battle between Lewis and Nico and this year it seems that the fight is on between Ferrari and Mercedes and Lewis and Sebastian. As calm as it started, it was only a matter of time until the rivalry would eventually become more fierce and controversial. That moment happened in Baku and we saw the results of that tension on track.

"We have moved past that moment now and it is a closed chapter. The hearing on Monday was between the FIA and Sebastian and it reached the conclusion we have all seen. Our focus since Baku has been on our own shortcomings, reviewing both the design and procedures around our headrest which cost Lewis the win two weeks ago."

In spite of the tension it may have caused over the last fortnight, Wolff added that the close fight between Mercedes and Ferrari is still very good for the sport, which is flourishing as a result of two legendary marques being evenly matched. "There is great respect between Mercedes and Ferrari, two iconic motor racing brands, not only because of the challenging battle on track but because we are pushing for the same goal: to see Formula One flourish.

"The new owners could hardly have asked for a better start to this new era than this epic battle between Mercedes and Ferrari. Add to the mix a Red Bull team that can win as well and it makes Formula One into a great spectacle," Wolff concluded.

Mason Hawker