Wolff still furious over outcome of 2021 F1 championship

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has said that he is fuelled by "personal anger" to help Lewis Hamilton win his eighth Formula 1 World Championship.

The 2021 title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix had a controversial ending after Max Verstappen snatched the title away from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, following the incorrect application of the Safety Car rules by Race Director Michael Masi.

Wolff initially protested to Masi that is “was so not right” before Mercedes lodged formal protests, although they were subsequently withdrawn.

Wolff: It doesn't feel like two years ago

Since then, Wolff has been driven to help Hamilton add to his seven World Championships and achieve an eighth.

“We are living in a hamster wheel where time passes so quickly that it doesn’t feel like it has been two years,” Wolff told PA.

“You can see how quickly the pecking order changes. We won eight constructors’ championships in a row, and it has been two years since Red Bull have been taking the trophy home. But we have to look forward, learn from the past, and the push now is to make Lewis win quickly again.

“I have a personal anger, and drive to make him win the eighth title because he should have had it.

“As a team principal, it is important to be fair and open with both drivers. But there is a big part of us that will always want to be a part of that story in undoing and overcoming 2021.”

How much longer will Hamilton be in F1?

Hamilton recently signed a contract extension with Mercedes, despite speculation that he could have been lined up for a drive at Red Bull or Ferrari.

While the motivation and drive is still there to succeed in the pinnacle of motorsport, does Wolff see Hamilton continuing for longer than when his contract ends in 2025?

“He is 39 in January, and Fernando (Alonso – 42) is still going strong,” said Wolff.

“As long as you look after yourself, you do the best preparation, physically and mentally, and develop different areas to when you are 25, then yes.

“We just need to give him a car that is quick enough. And, as a driver, I have no doubt about him. You have seen in the last races that his performance, speed and race craft are all there. But, if he doesn’t have the car underneath him, he cannot win.”