Wolff plays down attending Vettel party

Toto Wolff has played down his recent attendance at Sebastian Vettel’s recent 30th birthday party.

It has been said that Lewis Hamilton’s recent conspicuous absence from the F1 live event in London was because he was furious with Wolff for attending the Briton’s title rival’s party. There is said to be a large amount of tension between Hamilton and Vettel after their incident in Baku, and Wolff being seen with Vettel could be seen as a slap to the face of Hamilton.

There are also rumours of a possible move to Mercedes for Vettel, only further fuelling Hamilton's anger at Wolff attending Vettel’s party. Red Bull team boss Christian even talked up the possibility of a move speculating Wolff is trying to court Vettel. He said in reference to Vettel’s next career move: "I would think he's got Toto in his ear saying 'Extend for a year (at Ferrari)' and then he's probably got Ferrari saying 'It's three years or nothing’"

Wolff was quick to play down the significance of the party though, explaining it was completely normal as they live very close to one another.

Wolff said when questioned: “Sebastian and i are Neighbours, so it's normal that we sometimes visit one another.”

Hamilton was also asked about the party and Wolff’s attendance but was in coy fashion with his answer, saying: "All I can do is laugh at that one. That's the dumbest question I've had so far."

Sam Gale