Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the Hungarian Grand Prix demonstrated the squad’s character, due to the manner in which the team operated in its bid to deny Ferrari victory.
Mercedes lacked pace compared to Ferrari in qualifying trim, while during the first stint of the race both Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton drifted away from the lead pair, the Briton having also been overhauled by Max Verstappen.
However, Sebastian Vettel’s steering issue brought Mercedes back into play and Hamilton, having passed Verstappen during the pit stop phase, implored the team to be allowed a shot at Räikkönen.
Mercedes – which had suffered from radio issues up to this point – agreed to Hamilton’s request, and he was waved through by Bottas, on the implicit agreement that they would swap back if Hamilton could not pass Räikkönen.
Hamilton closed up to Räikkönen and remained within DRS range of the Finn – who in turn was shadowing Vettel – but the Mercedes driver was unable to mount a challenge.
On the final lap, Hamilton backed away from the Ferrari drivers and pulled over at the final corner to allow Bottas through for third.
“It was a tough day for the team but one that showed the values that we hold high,” Wolff said.
“First of all, we cannot ultimately be satisfied with third and fourth places; we managed to limit the damage to Ferrari, and were fortunate that Red Bull accounted for themselves on the opening lap.
“So it's positive that we didn't lose too many points on a circuit where Ferrari had the upper hand.
“But it was also a great day for the team because we saw our ethos played out for everybody to see with great respect between Lewis and Valtteri.
“First, for Valtteri to let his team-mate past to put the pressure on Ferrari and try to challenge Kimi; second, for Lewis to sportingly give the place back in the final corner without losing any position to [Max] Verstappen.
“These are the values that helped us win six championships and, in the long term, it is the approach that will win us many more titles – even though it was a tough call to make and it's not a great feeling afterwards.
“But we stick to our principles and our word.”
Mercedes enters the summer break with a 39-point cushion over Ferrari in the standings.
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