“Both Mercedes cars are off!” For many Dutch Formula 1 followers, Olav Mol’s commentary is still etched in memory ten years later, not least because the crash heralded Max Verstappen’s first victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. Now, with two Mercedes drivers once again battling for the world title, team boss Toto Wolff is wary of a repeat of 2016.
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Toto Wolff expects an exciting battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli at the Spanish Grand Prix. During the Canadian Grand Prix, the duo already fought a tough but fair duel on track, until Russell had to abandon the fight due to engine problems, giving Antonelli a clear path to victory.
After a series of disappointing races, pole position for the Barcelona race is a boost for Russell. Teammate and drivers’ championship leader Kimo Antonelli starts right behind him in third place, which automatically brings back memories of the crash between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg ten years ago on Spanish soil.
Attack is the best defense
Asked if Wolff would implement team orders to prevent a similar situation, he told F1 TV: “I think they are racing for a championship and Kimi will want to show that he is the real deal. George wants a good result to say: ‘It’s me, don’t ignore me’.”
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The team boss is therefore watching how the situation unfolds, but is wary. “Lewis is clearly so determined that he is going for the win, so I don’t know how this will turn out tomorrow. For me, the most important thing is no contact, but they start one behind the other. Kimi will get a good slipstream, more grey hair,” says the German with a wink.
Wolff is convinced that attack is the best defense and expects his young protégé to employ that tactic. “If you think conservatively, you have to think ahead and not start protecting points. It’s like a football team that starts defending instead of attacking. I think Antonelli will go on the attack and that’s fine.”
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Read everything about the Spanish GP in Barcelona here
