Toto Wolff explains why McLaren’s team orders row is different to Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg

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Toto Wolff had to manage one of the toughest title battles in Formula 1 history between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

It’s part of the reason why he can show McLaren some sympathy as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris fight each other for the world title.

The drivers’ championship looks set to go down to the wire, and although Wolff’s team won’t be competing for it, he’ll have a front row seat for whatever unfolds.

Mercedes dominated the early turbo-hybrid era, and Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg fought fiercely for supremacy. From a management perspective, it was a nightmare.

McLaren were accused of ‘manipulating’ Monza after swapping their drivers around late in the Italian Grand Prix.

Piastri avoided the same mistake Hamilton made by following his orders, which should prevent further tension from being added to the mix down the line.

READ MORE: F1 fans send McLaren a clear message after ’embarrassing’ Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris Monza decision

Toto Wolff claims Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were ‘different animals’ compared to McLaren drivers

Norris can’t risk ’50-50′ moves because the slightest mistake could now see him drop out of contention. After his retirement at Zandvoort, there is no room for error.

However, Mercedes boss Wolff sees McLaren’s situation as a little easier to manage than the one he had with Hamilton and Rosberg nearly 10 years ago.

Speaking to ESPN, he revealed how those two drivers differ from the two fighting for the championship currently.

“I think we had two different animals in the car,” he said. ” You know, Lewis and Nico, they were two fierce combatants that took no prisoners racing against each other.

“At times, very difficult to manage for the team. I don’t see that at McLaren, it’s a bit corporate.”

Rosberg was ‘scared’ battling Hamilton, and it goes to show how well Wolff kept his authority. He didn’t want them to step out of line, and McLaren will hope their drivers follow suit.

READ MORE: Martin Brundle shares the advice he’d give Lando Norris to overturn Oscar Piastri’s big championship lead

Did Oscar Piastri have the right to be upset with McLaren over Italian Grand Prix decision

McLaren’s decision to ask Piastri to move over in Italy was made easier because they weren’t fighting for victory, which is rare by 2025’s standards.

No one meant for the mechanic to make a mistake while putting Norris’ tyre on his car, thus why the team felt it was fair to swap their cars.

Piastri ‘had the right’ to be upset with McLaren over their call to give him a strategic advantage in Hungary, but the situation was different here.

The Aussie may look back on the situation very differently at the end of the season, particularly if he falls short of the title.

For now, his approach of trying to keep his team on side is a wise move. He’s showing maturity that not many champions have demonstrated at such a young age before.