There’s a reserved aggression about Mercedes-Benz F1 boss Toto Wolff. After tasting several years of repeat success last decade, the Austrian has enjoyed leaner times since 2020. After what many argue was a World Championship controversially stolen by Red Bull from Mercedes-Benz in 2021.
Nevertheless, this weekend, Toto Wolff admitted to a time he let his emotions get the better of him. The incident involved ex F1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen at the FIA’s end-of-season 2018 prize giving gala in Russia.
TOTO WOLFF PUNCHED FORMER F1 DRIVER
Appearing in a state of clear drunkenness (watch the video above), the Finn allegedly mocked the new reigning champion of Formula 2, George Russell, backstage. A young, F1-bound Russell laughed the whole matter off. However, Toto Wolff couldn’t see the funny side, and laid him out.
“Should I tell them the Raikkonen story?” Wolff said in an interview with ORF at Silverstone this past week. “It’s up to you … It doesn’t affect me,” responded Russell across the room. Toto Wolff then detailed the ‘slightly embarrassing’ story to the reporter.
FIA AWARDS DINNER 2018
Toto Wolff admitting that he grew up in ‘harsh circumstances’ in Austria. And, therefore, learned from an early age how to stand up for himself – quite often physically. “We were at the now-infamous FIA awards in 2018. Kimi insulted George backstage about how he had won the F2 championship. So, I had to punch him. That was the end of it,’ Wolff said coolly.
“I give my team and my family everything I have. And, if necessary, I will defend them to keep them safe,” explained the Mercedes-Benz boss. Moreover, he said he would dish out the same treatment to anyone displaying the same sort of disrespect towards those he’s loyal to. – with GMM
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