Wolff humble despite edging nearer F1 title

Wolff pointed to September’s Singapore Grand Prix, a season-defining race, where Hamilton produced what he described as a “magic” lap in qualifying to take pole and the win after flying 25,000 miles around the globe to launch his Tommy Hilfiger fashion collection.

“Some of my marketing colleagues couldn’t comprehend Lewis was being photographed with his Ferrari in Los Angeles, or that he was wearing different brands to ones that sponsored Mercedes.

“For me, it always came down to the performance on track, and as long as he did that, he can lead the life he wants. When he flies around the world, or when he works on his music, I know it is best for the team because it makes him perform well. Some drivers are into meditation, but Lewis follows his hobbies to take his mind off racing, which releases the stress, and increases his level of happiness.

“The best example was Singapore. He flew to Shanghai to launch his fashion collection, then to New York for an evening with Tommy Hilfiger, before he went back to Europe for a friend’s wedding, and rocked up at the race.

“In the past, people would say ‘how can you allow that?’ And that question was certainly being asked before the race, but then bang, he was six tenths faster than Sebastian (Vettel) in qualifying, and he controlled the race from there.”

Valtteri Bottas led Hamilton to a Mercedes one-two in second practice.