Wolff impressed by Hamilton’s character

Merc boss Toto Wolff has heaped praise on Lewis Hamilton, saying he is “not f**ked up” on the other side despite his competitive nature…

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has heaped praise on Lewis Hamilton, saying he is “not f**ked up” on the other side despite his competitive nature.

Having left McLaren and Williams respectively for Mercedes, the 2013 season proved to be a major learning curve for both Hamilton and Wolff.

Hamilton ended up fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, helping the team to second in the Constructors’ standings, but he wasn’t over the moon with his season and described it as “average” while he was also quite outspoken during radio conversations at races.

Wolff, though, is delighted that the 2008 World Champion is not afraid to voice his opinion.

“First of all, he has a straight and nice character,” Wolff told Autosport.

“So generally it is a pleasure to work with him – and it is also a pleasure to work with him because he is very competitive.

“Rarely do you find people who are so competitive and then on the other side not f**ked up. And he is not.”

When asked if he felt Hamilton needed more ‘looking after’, he replied: “He is authentic. And sometimes authenticity bites you. But he also learns.

“And what I like is the way he is taking on the advice, and believes it is good for him. We are trying to be very open with each other.”