Mercedes motorsport chairman Toto Wolff has thrown his support behind rival outfit McLaren, amid wild speculation the team are hiding important details relating to Fernando Alonso’s test crash.
Numerous conspiracy theories have been discussed since the crash three weeks ago, leading to claims teams and drivers are considering a boycott of the first race – a claim that has already been denied by Australian Grand Prix boss Andrew Westacott – if more details aren’t released.
But Wolff says the teams already know everything they need to know about the incident.
“If there had been anything that the teams need to know, we would have been told,” he told Austrian broadcaster ORF. “The FIA has its eye on it.”
Meanwhile Wolff also made it clear that McLaren’s explanation is entirely plausible and, given the team’s competitive situation, it makes sense for Alonso to rest.
“It often happens that unspectacular accidents have health consequences,” he explained.
“He had a concussion and now he needs to look after himself. So instead of travelling halfway around the world maybe that makes more sense than to drive a car that may not be competitive in the first race anyway.”
