Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has accused the Monaco Grand Prix track marshals of “working for Cirque du Soleil” after the underside of Lewis Hamilton’s car was broadcast to the world as it was craned from the track following a crash in final practice.
Hamilton crashed at Mirabeau — the corner before the famous hairpin — bringing out the red flags with only a few minutes left in the session.
Due to the tight confines of the Monaco track, cranes are employed to remove crashed cars quickly for sessions to restart.
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Hamilton’s car was lifted several storeys into the air, allowing TV cameras and photographers the chance to see the underside of the car.
The massive aerodynamic rules overhaul introduced for the 2022 season meant up to 60 per cent of the car’s overall downforce is generated from the floor alone. As a result, it is one of each team’s most closely-guarded secrets.
Wolff was critical of the decision to crane the car out, given there was no time pressure as race control had already confirmed the session would not be restarted.
“Well, whoever performed the crane has probably worked for Cirque du Soleil,” Wolff told media after the session.
“Honestly, that I don’t even comprehend. The car was on the road. You could have put it on a truck. You’re showcasing a car to everyone in the world.
“That was sub-optimum for us, to say the least.”
The marshals did the same thing to the Red Bull of Sergio Perez during the first part of qualifying. A key difference between the two situations was the urgency to continue the sessions.
Perez crashes out of quallifying
Wolff was quick to clarify his comments were made in jest, before praising the marshals who were “just doing their best”.
The Monaco Grand Prix marshals are regarded as some of the most efficient on the calendar.
Max Verstappen claimed pole for Sunday night’s race. The Mercedes pair of Hamilton and George Russell will start sixth and eighth.
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