‘Hamilton and Bottas ignored me’

THE Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday revealed that orders over going for an extra point for securing the fastest lap in Melbourne at the Australia Grand Prix were ignored.

Wolff believes there was a plot between his drivers and engineers which went against what the original strategy was.

But the Mercedes supremo was not too upset as his team picked up the maximum available points in Australia.

He said: “In the morning meeting, when we talked about strategy, I forbid to go for fastest lap if we were running one, two or three. “They ignored me. I think it was a plot between the engineers and the drivers. Because I think the engineers were keen and the drivers were keen!

“In the end I’m very happy – collecting that extra point is good, it’s entertaining, it’s a great new part of the spectacle.

“I believe it’s taking risks, especially when you’re in for the big points – should you go for the fastest laps?

“But my reference point, being in control of a car, is my own driving and not the level of the F1 drivers. I didn’t like it so much!” Wolff also believes Bottas’ win in Melbourne was the strongest performance of his career.

“I’ve seen most of the races in his career in all categories and this was the strongest,” said Wolff.

“I’m very happy and he deserves it.” Bottas jumped Hamilton off the line in Melbourne and was never in danger from that point on. – express.co.uk