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Wolff 'probably' would use team orders in the US

Published on 20 Oct 2018 10:46
10
By: Fergal Walsh

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that he would 'probably’ use team orders again at the US Grand Prix this weekend if the situation arose that would guarantee Lewis Hamilton the world championship.

Both Hamilton and Wolff know that the Brit must outscore his rival Vettel by seven points if he is to end the title fight on Sunday. This means that if Hamilton wins, Vettel must finish second to hang on until Mexico.

If Mercedes were to use team orders, it would not be for the first time this season. The team controversially used them against Valtteri Bottas in the Russian Grand Prix, where they gifted Hamilton the victory to prevent any potential attack from Vettel.

Wolff said: “We have been discussing that and struggling so much with the decision. Eventually when it comes on Sunday, I probably would go for the points but in my heart I hate it. Let’s see how Sunday goes.

"We were discussing 2007 and when the championship was lost with two races to go with a few points and it is really just a full concentration every single day and if the points are enough then we are lucky and we will have a big celebration. If not, then we go to the next race and we push very hard.”

mcbhargav

Posts: 1,332

Wow! It must be depressing to wake up, to a job of being a speedbreaker for every race.

2
Oct 20 2018 - 12:21

F1 News Valtteri Bottas Lewis Hamilton Sebastian Vettel Susie Wolff Mercedes

Replies (10)

Harryw

Posts: 107
This is a little silly and was when Bottas had to let him passed. The guy is over 60 points ahead and does nothing to attract fans to the sport. It’s not a sport if people have to give up wins
- + 0
- Oct 20 2018 - 11:09
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Its more than a little silly IMO, and might cost Bottas the position against Kimi.
  + 1
  
  Oct 20 2018 - 11:34
blade

Posts: 341
I think at the last race it was okay - the earth would need to end to prevent Lewis picking up the title. I REALLY don't want to see it happen again, it would be very bad for the sport and we could end up seeing another awkward podium and muted title celebrations for Lewis - no-one wants to see that, not least the paying public. Do the right thing Toto.
- + 0
- Oct 20 2018 - 11:38
mcbhargav

Posts: 1,332
Wow! It must be depressing to wake up, to a job of being a speedbreaker for every race.
- + 2
- Oct 20 2018 - 12:21
websurfer

Posts: 52
Team orders are NEVER ok. Let the best man win. Fair play, please. Toto Wolf is provocative.
- + 1
- Oct 20 2018 - 13:03
Freguz

Posts: 160
Please no fake race again, Lewis is far ahead, let there be some excitement still this season.
- + 1
- Oct 20 2018 - 14:31
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  What do you mean? You prefer Bottas with both legs and no cutlery up his behind? Oh nonono. We cant have that. Cant you see Wolff is doing this for our benefits?! He had to cut Bottas' legs of so they could fit the spoons in!
  + 0
  
  Oct 20 2018 - 14:45
f1dave

Posts: 782
Drivers championship, I think not.
- + 0
- Oct 20 2018 - 15:42
Norbert

Posts: 108
Team orders are good when team mate approaching from behind is faster and you don’t want to have a battle within your own team.
- + 0
- Oct 21 2018 - 03:39
- websurfer
  
  Posts: 52
  Let us have this fight then. You are not fast enough if you can not overtake. It's not only all about speed. "Fair play" must be the rule. Ohterwise the F1 is rotten.
  + 0
  
  Oct 21 2018 - 11:23