In 2018, Wolff struck Raikkonen while defending Russell.

In 2018, Wolff struck Raikkonen while defending Russell.

      In an interview with ORF, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recalled an interesting story that took place at the FIA Gala in Saint Petersburg in 2018.

      Kimi Räikkönen then finished the Formula 1 season in the top three and attended the awards ceremony for the season held in Russia.

      The ceremony took place in the evening, and the Finnish Ferrari driver was intoxicated. Behind the scenes, he insulted George Russell, who had become the Formula 2 champion that year.

      Defending his young driver, Wolff took matters into his own hands.

      Toto Wolff: "The situation was quite awkward, but that’s how it was. I grew up in a tough environment where sometimes you had to defend yourself.

      We were in Saint Petersburg at the awards ceremony, and the Formula 1 driver insulted George, even though he had won Formula 2. I had to slap him, and that was the end of it.

      I always care about those around me and am ready to give everything for my family and my team. I am always prepared to defend them if necessary. And vice versa, I absolutely need the support of my team."

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In 2018, Wolff struck Raikkonen while defending Russell.

Toto Wolff recalled an intriguing story that took place at the FIA Gala ceremony in Saint Petersburg in 2018.