Mercedes have been told no criminal offences were committed after the British-based Formula One team called on police to investigate an anonymous email which claimed Lewis Hamilton’s car was being “sabotaged”.
Speaking at the recent Spanish Grand Prix, team principal Toto Wolff vowed to go “full force” in response to the correspondence – said to be sent by a disgruntled Mercedes staff member – titled “a potential death warrant for Lewis”.
The email, addressed to Wolff, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem, as well as other major players in the paddock, arrived on June 10, a day after the Canadian Grand Prix – a race where Hamilton was overtaken by team-mate George Russell on the penultimate lap.
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Mercedes reported the note to authorities 48 hours later.
A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman told the PA news agency: “Northamptonshire Police received a report on June 12 regarding an email that had been circulated within the Mercedes AMG F1 Team.
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“No criminal offences were found to have been committed however advice was given regarding any further emails the team may receive.”
Sky Sports understands that police have asked Mercedes to report any future similar activity to them, while the Silver Arrows have reportedly hired their own investigators to look into this – which will run in parallel to any future police investigation.
The email accused Wolff of being “vindictive” and said the Austrian, 52, “is doing everything possible to get back at him (Hamilton)” for electing to quit Mercedes for Ferrari.
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Toto Wolff shut down rumours about Lewis Hamilton’s car supposedly being sabotaged stating that online abuse needs to stop
Speaking last Friday, Wolff, who is adamant the email did not originate from within his own organisation, called on “lunatic conspiracy theorists” to “see a shrink” if they think the team is working against Hamilton.
And following Sunday’s race in Spain, which saw Hamilton finally end his losing streak to Russell – out-qualifying his fellow Briton and then taking his first podium of the season – Wolff re-iterated his stance.
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He said: “These conspiracy theorists, I have zero respect for, because they have no brain. We want a car that wins races and championships and who doesn’t get that should be watching another sport.
“It’s good to see that Lewis has had a great weekend, because it has been a while that he has been on the receiving end and strategy has worked against him. But today it went in his favour so I am happy we have that podium for him because it has been a while.”
F1’s triple-header continues at the Austrian Grand Prix this coming week – with the Sprint format returning at the Red Bull Ring. Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday’s big race at 2pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
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