Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has revealed that the police are currently investigating an anonymous email sent to motorsport journalists and Formula 1 teams, accusing Mercedes of sabotaging Lewis Hamilton’s performances. The email suggests that the team is deliberately compromising Hamilton’s car, tire strategy, and mental health in retaliation for his decision to leave for Ferrari.
Wolff addressed the accusations, dismissing them as baseless conspiracy theories. He emphasized that Mercedes is taking the matter seriously and is actively working with the authorities to identify the source of the email. “We are researching the IP address. We are researching the phone, all of that because online abuse in that way needs to stop,” Wolff stated.
Furthermore, Wolff highlighted the longstanding relationship and friendship between Hamilton and the team, spanning over 12 years. He reiterated their mutual trust and emphasized their desire to end their partnership on a positive note. As Wolff pointed out, their goal is not only to celebrate their successful collaboration but also to win the constructors’ world championship.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025 surprised the F1 world earlier this year. This announcement marked the end of a partnership that had resulted in six out of Hamilton’s seven world championships. However, this season, Hamilton has faced stiff competition from his teammate George Russell. Russell currently holds the seventh position in the drivers’ standings, six points ahead of Hamilton in eighth. Impressively, Russell has managed to outperform Hamilton in eight out of the nine races held so far.
The anonymous email and subsequent investigation add an additional layer of intrigue to an already intense rivalry between Mercedes and Ferrari. While these allegations may be unfounded, they shed light on the high stakes and intense pressure inherent in the world of Formula 1. The competitive nature of the sport often leads to speculation and conspiracy theories, as witnessed in this case.
Ultimately, the investigation will hopefully uncover the truth behind the anonymous email. Regardless of the outcome, both Mercedes and Hamilton remain focused on their respective goals – ending their partnership on a high note and securing victory in the constructors’ championship. As fans eagerly await further developments in this story, it serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics and intense rivalries that define the world of Formula 1.