Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff admits he, and rival team boss Christian Horner, "overstepped" the mark when talking to Formula 1 Race Director Michael Masi during races in 2021. This year, F1 has broadcast communication between the teams and the FIA during on-track sessions, which has given an insight into the discussions that take place following incidents. The intense title battle between Mercedes and Red Bull saw both teams fight their corners in a bid to defend their drivers. Wolff, Horner and their respective Sporting Directors have been heard at numerous Grands Prix, including the controversial races at Silverstone, Jeddah and the finale in Abu Dhabi. "I need to take myself by the nose, and Christian," Wolff told media, including RacingNews365.com . "We were giving us the opportunity to talk to the Race Director directly and because we fight so fiercely for the interest of our teams, we - all of us - overstepped [the mark]. "This certainly was part of the failures this year that, under pressure from the Team Principals, the Race Director's life wasn't made easier, certainly. So we need to come back."
Wolff backs call to not broadcast communications
F1 Managing Director Ross Brawn revealed post-Abu Dhabi that discussions will take place over whether to continue broadcasting the communication between the Race Director and the teams. Wolff agrees with Brawn's comments, and says he partly blames himself for the introduction of the insightful TV addition. "I agree with Ross. But I equally blame Ross and myself because we have been part of the decision-making to broadcast more of the channels for the purpose of transparency and entertainment for the fans," said Wolff. "There is so much going on on the intercom that gives fans a little bit of an overview of all the little dramas that happen. Is the car breaking down? Are we having some kind of strategy discussions? "It was meant well, but I think we overshot."
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