Wolff sees Hamilton/Vettel as 'great rivalry'

Toto Wolff believes the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel is turning into a "great rivalry" that could make 2017 a classic Formula 1 season.

Hamilton and Vettel both showed clear respect for each other throughout the first seven races and were often complimentary when discussing their battle for the championship. However, that fight turned ugly in Azerbaijan where the pair clashed on track, with Vettel being penalized during the race and apologizing to the FIA on Monday.

Despite the latest episode, Mercedes executive director Wolff says such a rivalry is exactly what F1 needs to ensure a memorable year.

"Every great Formula 1 season is marked by a great rivalry," Wolff said. "Last year it was our internal battle between Lewis and Nico and this year it seems that the fight is on between Ferrari and Mercedes and Lewis and Sebastian. As calm as it started, it was only a matter of time until the rivalry would eventually become more fierce and controversial. That moment happened in Baku and we saw the results of that tension on track.

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"We have moved passed that moment now and it is a closed chapter. The hearing on Monday was between the FIA and Sebastian and it reached the conclusion we have all seen. Our focus since Baku has been on our own shortcomings, reviewing both the design and procedures around our headrest which cost Lewis the win two weeks ago."

Wolff says the relationship between Mercedes and Ferrari remains strong as they know their battle for honors is good for the sport as a whole.

"There is great respect between Mercedes and Ferrari, two iconic motor racing brands, not only because of the challenging battle on track but because we are pushing for the same goal: to see Formula 1 flourish.

"The new owners could hardly have asked for a better start to this new era than this epic battle between Mercedes and Ferrari. Add to the mix a Red Bull team that can win as well and it makes Formula 1 into a great spectacle."

Mercedes goes into the Austrian Grand Prix with a lead of 24 points over Ferrari in the constructors' championship, while Daniel Ricciardo's victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix leaves Red Bull 113 points behind Mercedes in third place.