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Mercedes admits that more 'common sense' needed

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says his team needs a 'spice more common sense' in the future as it bids to move on from its Monaco Grand Prix strategy blunder.

The podium,: Race winner Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG F1 with third placed team mate Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1

The podium,: Race winner Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG F1 with third placed team mate Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1

XPB Images

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W06
The FIA Press Conference,: Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, second; Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG F1, race winner; Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1, third
The FIA Press Conference,: Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, second; Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG F1, race winner; Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1, third
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 on the drivers parade
Podium: second place Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari and winner Nico Rosberg and third place Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W06
Third placed Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 with his brother Nicolas

As the Brackley-based outfit continued to investigate the circumstances that led to it throwing away Lewis Hamilton's victory chance in Monte Carlo, Wolff said that system improvements were not the only improvements required.

In a Q&A with fans hosted on Twitter, Wolff made it clear that the team had been too influenced by incorrect data that suggested Hamilton could get out ahead of his rivals after stopping for fresh tyres.

When asked what actions Mercedes would take, Wolff said: "Improve software, better communication and a spice more common sense."

No disciplinary action

Although the Monaco blunder has put the spotlight on team strategists, Wolff was emphatic that no staff would be moved aside as a result of what happened.

"Absolutely not," he said. "We're a World Championship team and we are not playing a blame game based on a single race."

Wolff also made it clear that there would be no change to the team's decision to have a single strategist overseeing both cars, despite what happened in Monaco.

"Last year proved that we allow our drivers to have a fair and equal fight. Having one strategist allows this," he said.

Conspiracy theorists wrong

The team's decision that wrecked Hamilton's victory bid prompted wild conspiracy theories that there was a secret bid to help keep the title fight alive.

Wolff was quick to dismiss the speculation – pointing out that Mercedes would be mad to do so with Ferrari such a clear threat.

"Would we ever do this to the guy leading the Championship with Ferrari a real threat to us? Answer: NO."

When suggested that Mercedes deliberately derailed Hamilton to make Rosberg a three-time Monaco winner, Wolff hit back: "Whoever would start such rumours needs their head examined."

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