Toto Wolff has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s on-track clash during the Hungarian Grand Prix, offering a diplomatic yet pointed perspective on the brewing debate. The Mercedes team principal dismissed escalating tensions between the former title rivals, asserting that Verstappen’s aggressive move was simply part of his driving DNA.
The incident unfolded on lap 30 when Verstappen lunged down the inside of Hamilton at Turn 4, forcing the seven-time world champion to take evasive action onto the run-off area to avoid contact. While the stewards investigated the matter post-race and opted for no further action, social media erupted with divided opinions on whether the move crossed the line of fair racing.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Wolff described the drama as “part of racing,” adding that Verstappen’s speed often overshadows the scrutiny his bold maneuvers attract. “Max is a phenomenal driver, no doubt about it. He’s just fast—probably the fastest on the grid right now. Moves like that, while aggressive, are part of why he is who he is,” Wolff stated, striking a balance between acknowledging Verstappen’s talent and hinting at the fine line he treads.
The Austrian boss was also quick to defend Hamilton’s response, noting that the Ferrari driver did what was necessary to avoid a collision. “Lewis made the smart call. When you have someone like Max coming up the inside, you calculate risk in milliseconds. That’s racing at the highest level—hard but respectful,” Wolff explained, putting an end to speculation about any lingering animosity between the two champions.
With Formula One now heading into the summer break, Wolff insisted the focus should remain on performance rather than controversies. “We’re in a season where every point matters, and energy spent on drama is energy lost on track. Max is quick, Lewis is quick—this is what fans want to see,” he concluded, setting the stage for more high-octane battles when the championship resumes at Zandvoort.
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