Toto Wolff blames Malaysian GP for Hamilton’s championship loss
F1 News – Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has conceded that Lewis Hamilton’s engine failure at the Malaysian Grand Prix, while on course for victory, cost him the title, but he still sees Nico Rosberg as a “worthy champion”.
Hamilton had dominated from pole position at the Sepang Circuit until his engine dramatically gave up in the closing stages, after which team-mate Rosberg grabbed vital points in third.
Hamilton would have taken over at the top of the championship standings with the win, but Rosberg instead moved 23 points clear, a lead he extended by 10 at the following round.
In a late charge, Hamilton won the final four Grands Prix of the season, but Rosberg followed him home every time, and the Briton missed out on a third straight title by just five points.
“This year, clearly, Malaysia cost Lewis the championship,” Wolff stated.
He added: “I think that you need to win and to lose with dignity. This is a mechanical sport and if they [the drivers] would sit on the floor on the starting grid then they wouldn’t go far.
“This team has built them the best car, and has made them win races and championships, and this team has also let them down on occasions, but less occasions than making them celebrate.”
Wolff, though, was also keen to praise Rosberg for his efforts over the season.
“We have discussed Lewis and the situation without recognising Nico’s achievement, racing against the most talented driver as a team-mate and winning a championship,” Wolff added.
“I think we should honour it, because he’s tough cookie, he doesn’t let go, and there are quite some remarkable character traits about him that make him a champion, and a worthy champion.”
Category: Formula One
