Wolff builds 'pit wall at home' to overcome absence

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has revealed he has "built a pit wall" at home to ensure he remains connected with the team during his enforced absence.

The Austrian underwent knee surgery last month and was forced to miss out on travelling to the Japanese Grand Prix as he recovered.

Mercedes failed to secure a podium at Suzuka, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell's on-track squabbles painting a scrambled picture for the Silver Arrows with both drivers unhappy with the team orders enacted at the end of the race.

Speaking to OE24 about his lay-off, Wolff said: "The operation could not have gone better.

"Maybe I overdid it a bit with the rehab afterwards. In any case, my doctor said that long flights are not for me yet."

Pit wall at home

Despite concerns over Wolff's absence, Hamilton insisted he has been an integral part of the team as he has been when present at the circuit.

The seven-time World Champion revealed Wolff had been present at every meeting by utilising the same comms channels as team strategy members who relay information from the factory.

Explaining how he has stayed in contact with the track operations squad, Wolff explained: "I've built a pit wall at home.

"I'm connected with the team and I'm fully involved."