Mercedes Boss Slams F1 Marshalling After Hungarian GP Scrutiny
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has called out the marshalling system after Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton were forced to defend their positions against backmarkers during the Hungarian Grand Prix. The situation frustrated Wolff, who felt the marshalling wasn't functioning properly.
The final battle for third place between Antonelli and Hamilton was tense, with the gap between them reducing significantly as they had to pass slower cars that did not give way. Wolff expressed his dissatisfaction, stating: “The marshalling system not functioning, and cars in the back defending on a Lewis and Kimi fight is just disgraceful.
The Marshalling Issue
Several backmarkers were still on the track despite being lapped midway through the 70-lap race. This caused difficulty for Antonelli, who approached several cars not giving way, such as Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto. Bortoleto's driver became frustrated and shouted over the radio complaining about the situation.
Impact on Drivers' Chances
The gap between Antonelli and Hamilton was only 0.5 seconds by the end of the race, which put significant pressure on both drivers until the chequered flag. Wolff addressed the issue that threatened his driver's podium finish: “I’m just not happy about...”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Toto Wolff upset with the marshalling system?
Wolff criticized the lack of proper functioning in the marshalling, as cars that were already lapped were still defending positions when faster ones approached.
How did backmarkers affect Antonelli and Hamilton's race?
Backmarkers prevented both drivers from making crucial overtakes, significantly reducing their chances for a better finish. This created additional pressure in the final laps, particularly for Antonelli who was fighting for third place with Hamilton.