Wolff was absent at Suzuka, and remains away from this weekend’s F1 Qatar♏ Grand Prix, as he recovers from knee surgery.

Yet the Mercedes team principal was able to intervenཧe to make the controversial call to allow Hamilton (on a two-stop strategy) to pass Russell (on a one-s🍃top strategy).

Wolff was asked about the race in Japan when Hamilton and Russell almost col❀lided, telling : “It wasn't that bad. We'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. 𓂃;

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

Wolff, missing his second grand prix in a row, will not be lounging about on the so𒊎fa in front of the telly watching his team in action.

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

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

He said aboꦐut his recovery from knee surgܫery: “The operation couldn't have gone better.

“Ma🔯ybe I overdid it a bit with the rehab afterwards. 

“In any case, my doctor said that long flig☂hts weren't for me.”