The duel between Ferrari and Mercedes continues well beyond the track and unfolds on a parallel political level. But it is certainly not a recent development: it is a story that has been ongoing since the winter and the case – later patched up by the FIA and never mentioned again – of the compression report and continues with the ADUO and aerodynamic and mechanical updates.
The latest statement from Toto Wolff (“Ferrari seems to have unlimited updates. Soon the budget cap money will run out”) did not please Frédéric Vasseur, who saw the correctness and respect for the rules of the Maranello team questioned. At Silverstone, the French manager responded sharply in the press conference, inviting everyone – including Wolff – to calm down.
Read more Permane does not deny: “Lawson is doing a fantastic job, but we follow Tsolov”
Wolff tries to ease tensions
Asked after qualifying by Sky Sport F1, Toto Wolff wanted to diffuse tensions with a smile towards Vasseur while maintaining his position: “I have known Fred for many years. He has always been a very emotional person and gets angry quickly. On the other hand, he is French… But it’s normal, we are all passionate about our team and want to do well.”
“I just made an observation that they have already put many updates on the car and for us it is not possible to do so now, but we will do it at the end of the season. I did not say he is a cheater, but probably he stopped at the headline and did not read the articles. Your headlines are always a bit aggressive and he did not read the rest.”
Too close to be friends
It is certainly no secret the excellent relationship between Vasseur and Wolff even if, for Toto, Ferrari is now too close not to be influenced by this: “Fred and I have been friends for a long time, but right now he is too competitive to be one. Ferrari has made huge strides forward and they are doing many good things.”
Read more Honda working to bring a new engine to the Netherlands, Orihara: “It is our goal”
