F1: Wolff dismisses Netflix conspiracy theories

Toto Wolff has dismissed the idea that the controversial ending to the 2021 season was manufactured by F1 bosses for entertainment purposes. The Austrian said he was sure that F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali would have “no interest in interfering with the racing”.

Several conspiracy theories circled on the internet after the title race was decided in controversial circumstances with lapped cars between the first and second placed cars (Hamilton and Verstappen) allowed to unlap themselves.

Mercedes were furious that Verstappen was able to catch right up to Hamilton, and were worried that the Dutchman was on fresher tires and so would have the advantage if racing resumed.

While it’s certainly true that Drive to Survive is set to be an incredible watch in 2022, Mercedes boss Wolff has laughed off suggestions that the finale was affected by a desire for TV ratings.

“I would never want to put such things in [the media] and I would never say such things because at the end, we provide entertainment but entertainment needs to follow sport and not the other way around,” the Austrian said.