NEWS
Great frustration for Toto Wolff: "Like Teletubbies!"
A problem with blue flags causes discontent and a collision. Toto Wolff is particularly upset and heavily criticizes the engineers' behavior.
Frustration and anger for Toto Wolff and Oscar Piastri!
After the maiden victory of defending world champion Lando Norris (McLaren), one particular issue takes center stage.
A problem with the FIA system triggered a more than unfortunate collision between Piastri and Williams driver Carlos Sainz.
What happened?
It's lap 39, as Piastri, fighting for the race win, prepares to lap Sainz. After his pit stop, the Australian tries to capitalize on the fresher tires to be ahead of Norris, who had pitted before him.
However, Sainz doesn't notice the expected lapping due to the lack of blue flags on his steering wheel and suddenly moves to the left in the first sector. This leads to contact and Piastri losing time.
Consequently, Norris remains ahead of the Australian after his pit stop.
Kimi Antonelli is also held up by an Audi while being lapped, losing valuable time in the fight for a better position. Ultimately, the championship leader finishes third.
Mercedes boss Wolff furious: "Engineers are Teletubbies"
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was particularly annoyed in an "ORF" interview after the race.
For the 54-year-old, it's not the missing display on the steering wheel that's decisive, but rather the behavior of engineers at the pit walls of the smaller teams.
"It makes me grumpy. A few engineers just stare into the sky like Teletubbies instead of telling the drivers that a lead car is coming from behind," said the Viennese.
"The driver should already see what's happening in the rearview mirror. I was with Williams for many years; I know what it's like to fight for points. But when it's really about something important at the front, the engineer has an obligation to say something is coming now. That this isn't happening is amateurish."
"Just stupid"
Piastri himself was angry about his situation. "That was just stupid; I've never seen anything like it in my life. I could barely believe what happened. That's unacceptable!" fumed the usually stoic Australian.
Ultimately, however, the situation was not race-deciding anyway. For Piastri, the GP ended entirely without points after an engine failure on lap 56.
