TOTO WOLFF : TOO HARSH AND UNJUSTIFIED

With Hamilton running in second place on hard tyres late on in the Austrian Grand Prix, a flying Albon was closing in in his Red Bull.

Team boss of Mercedes Toto Wolff thinks Lewis Hamilton has been punished ‘too hard’ for the tap he gave Alexander Albon in the closing stages of the race.

Hamilton received five seconds penalty and two penalty points on his racing license.

“The stewards are always in a difficult position to make the right decisions,” Wolff says to Sky. “I’d certainly say from our perspective, the five seconds were too harsh.”

“We watched the video a few times. Lewis steered completely into the curve. Albon had about 40% of the road left to make the turn. It was different from lap one where Lewis had to pull back to not get off the track,” he continued.

“So in my opinion, it’s not justified. But I recognize the complexity of the work, of making the right decisions. Some go for you, some go against you,” concludes Wolff.

Speaking to the media post-race, Wolff was clear in his assertion that Hamilton was perhaps unfairly treated, stating: “The stewards are always in a difficult position. I think yesterday was a bad day for Lewis and a bad day for the team.

“With regard to the grid position penalty with Red Bull digging out a different camera angle, we have to take that on the chin.  

Mercedes suffered from gearbox sensor issues throughout the race and now face a challenge to ensure both cars are in optimum condition in time for the second race at the circuit next Sunday.

HAMILTON ONLY FIVE POINTS AWAY FROM A POTENTIAL RACE BAN

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TOTO WOLFF : TOO HARSH AND UNJUSTIFIED – TOTO WOLFF : TOO HARSH AND UNJUSTIFIED