Wolff was absent at Suzuka, and remains away from this weekend𒈔’s F1 Qatar Grand P🌜rix, as he recovers from knee surgery.

Yet the Mercedes team princip🌱🦩al was able to intervene to make the controversial call to allow Hamilton (on a two-stop strategy) to pass Russell (on a one-stop strategy).

Wolff was asked about the race in Japan when Hamilton and Russell a🌼lmost collided, telling : “It wasn't that bad. W𓄧e're not fighting for a win or a title at the moment.

“When the drivers try to push the limits, there is a call to order.🐭♎ 

“At the end I made the team order call.”

Wolff, missing his second grand prix in a row, will not be lou🍌nging about on the sofa in front of the telly watching his t🏅eam in action.

“No, I built a pit wall at home,” he said. 

“I am connected to the team and fully involved.”

He said about his recovery from knee surgery: “The operation co𝓡uldn't have gone 💟better.

“Mayb📖e I overdid it a b🔯it with the rehab afterwards. 

“In any ca𒉰se, my doctor said that long flights w𝔍eren't for me.”