Wolff dismisses Russell's radio comments: 'A complete sideshow'

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has played down the significance of George Russell's radio messages in Brazil.

The Brackley-based squad endured a challenging weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with Russell forced to retire late on in the race.

Russell's team-mate Lewis Hamilton scored four points after crossing the line in eighth place as both drivers struggled with high tyre degradation throughout the race.

It was a weekend so challenging that Wolff described it as Mercedes' worst weekend since it returned to the grid as a manufacturer in 2010.

Some of Russell's radio messages were broadcast during the race in which he was heard taking issue with being stuck behind Hamilton, stating his race was being compromised.

Wolff plays down radio calls

But Wolff has asserted that there is little significance in his comments amid the poor showing on the track.

“No, I think the race and the messages for us today are completely irrelevant,” Wolff told media including RacingNews365.com.

“There was nothing to manage or nothing to say. It's a complete side show. I think the fundamental issue is that the car was slow.

“So I have no problem with things being broadcasted or not, because whether it's controversial or not, fundamentally, if there is no performance like that, then who cares?”