Toto Wolff reveals Lewis Hamilton's "change of approach" after Max Verstappen crashes

Toto Wolff talks with Lewis Hamilton — Photo: © LAT Images

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Wolff reveals Hamilton's "change of approach" after Verstappen crashes

Hamilton faces a five-point deficit in the championship

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Saturday 25 September 2021 08:00

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Toto Wolff has revealed Lewis Hamilton's "change of approach" after his Italian Grand Prix crash with Max Verstappen.

Verstappen and Hamilton both retired at Monza in the second major collision of the season between the title rivals after the Dutchman crashed heavily at Silverstone.

Hamilton has been forced to bail out of moves on numerous occasions this year with Verstappen refusing to give any quarter to the Mercedes driver but Wolff has described how the seven-time champion's mindset has changed.

"They race each other very close now which wasn't the case in the past," said Wolff.

"We are discussing these things in detail and I think the change of approach is that Lewis pretty much decided not to bail out anymore if he thinks that the corner is his.

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"It needs two to tango and needs two to understand each other on track when a collision can be avoided.

"They are in the cars, we have no influence on the driving and they know much better than we do how much the other one is racing. It is interesting to watch."

Wolff insists respect remains between Hamilton and Verstappen

With Hamilton criticised at Silverstone for celebrating with Verstappen in hospital and the Dutchman facing ire for failing to check on Hamilton's wellbeing at Monza after landing on his head, there is a worry of a lack of respect between the drivers.

Hamilton has previously suggested respect was not reciprocated between the pair but Wolff has calmed concerns.

"I think the very good ones recognise the other very good ones," added Wolff. "Therefore, from a driving standpoint, there will be a lot of respect for each other like with some others on track.

"The personalities are very different, their lives are very different but that has no interference on the respect of the ability of the guy in the other car."