Toto Wolff reveals 'embarrassing story' when he punched Kimi Raikkonen

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed a remarkable moment when he was forced to punch Kimi Raikkonen after the 2007 F1 champion had insulted George Russell.

The scene was the 2018 FIA Prize-Giving Gala held in St. Petersburg. Raikkonen had finished third in the drivers' standings behind champion Lewis Hamilton and the  Finn's Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

The FIA mandates that the top three in the F1 championship must attend. Raikkonen was, unfortunately, and hilariously, drunk when he made his way onto the stage to collect his trophy alongside runner-up Vettel.

Wolff has recalled, however, that backstage Raikkonen had insulted Russell, who was that year's F2 champion. Defending his young driver, the Austrian took matters into his own hands.

Speaking to ORF, Wolff initially asked Russell whether he tell the tale.  "That's up to you," said a laughing Russell. "It doesn't affect me."

Continuing with amusement, Wolff said: "It's a somewhat embarrassing story, but it's what happened.

"I grew up in a tough environment where sometimes you had to defend yourself.

"We were in St. Petersburg for the awards ceremony, and a Formula 1 driver [Raikkonen] insulted George, even though he had won the F2.

"Then I had to throw a punch, and that was the end of it."

Wolff has insisted he is naturally protective of those in his care.

"I will give everything for my family or my team," he remarked. "I will always put my arm around their shoulders if necessary to protect them.

"Conversely, I myself need the support of my team just as much."