Toto Wolff has insisted Mercedes must listen to Lewis Hamilton over concerns surrounding the cockpit position within the W14. The seven-time champion was critical of the car design ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, explaining: "I don't know if people know, but we sit closer to the front wheels than all the other drivers. Our cockpit is too close to the front. "When you're driving, you feel like you're sitting on the front wheels, which is one of the worst feelings to feel when you're driving a car." Despite what Hamilton sees as a fundamental issue with the design philosophy, the British driver secured a first podium of the season for the Brackley-based team at Albert Park by finishing second behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
Wolff: We are looking
Wolff has been forthcoming in highlighting Mercedes' upgrade plans in the early stages of the season, with visible change promised from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Addressing Hamilton's criticism directly, Wolff told media including RacingNews365.com : "We are looking at the big concept of the driver position, [which] is obviously one of the most important [things]. "Not only in terms of weight distribution, aerodynamics, etcetera but also [it is] where the driver has the best feeling in the car, which is something where Lewis is very vocal. "And when a seven-time World Champion has an opinion, it is important to listen to it."
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