Wolff: 'Gloves are off' between Hamilton, Vettel

Toto Wolff believes the incident in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel means "now the gloves are off" in the championship battle.

The two drivers had enjoyed a respectful relationship so far this season prior to Sunday's race in Baku, but came together on track behind the Safety Car. With Vettel driving into the side of Hamilton after feeling the Mercedes driver had brake-tested him, the pair were less complimentary about each other after the race.

Related Stories

Wolff accepts it was always going to be difficult for the two title contenders to maintain a good relationship and says the latest incident will see a more tense rivalry moving forward.

"We accept that we are eight races into the season and they respect each other a lot and now we have a situation where there is more controversy," Wolff said. "It was always clear that this could happen the closer it gets.

"I think that fundamentally the respect is there between the two greats of their sport and [Sunday's] events certainly didn't help the relationship going forward. Nobody wants to see the schmoozing anyway, so now the gloves are off."

While pragmatic about the incident, Wolff agrees with Hamilton that it is important the drivers remember they are role models to up-and-coming racers. However, speaking before the FIA announced it would investigate whether Vettel deserves any further sanctions, Wolff accepted the penalty handed out.

"First of all, Lewis did not do anything wrong, we've seen it on the data. He's absolutely fine. We just need to be mindful that there is millions of people watching and many inspirational young race drivers and whatever we do on track is going to be an example and who we get as penalties is going to be a precedent. It's about judging that well. I hope that Charlie and everybody has considered that.

"As a matter fact I don't want to hit out afterwards, the penalty has been given, the stewards have decided it and already in my mind I am in Spielberg."

And Wolff says he is keen to maintain a positive relationship with Ferrari despite a close fight for the constructors' championship too, with the teams receiving a technical directive over the use of fuel and oil in Baku.

"Of course, with retrospect, it's a fantastic company and great brand. There is so many passionate people within Ferrari and Italy that cheer for Ferrari. For me the analogy is to rugby, during the race they are our enemies and I wouldn't take any prisoners but we must be capable of – once the race is done – having a beer like rugby players and acknowledge somebody's performance and acknowledge we are all warriors and fierce competitors out there. Nevertheless we are racing on a joint platform and that somehow unites us."