The emails also alleged that Mercedes showed preference for George Russell due to Hamilton’s supposed transfer to Ferrari next year.
According to a report from Crash.net, Mercedes enlisted the help of private investigators to determine the source of the emails accusing them of undermining Lewis Hamilton.
After the investigation by the Northamptonshire Police, which found no evidence of criminal activity related to the anonymous emails, the Formula 1 team decided to proceed with private investigators.
Toto Wolff expressed his anger at the leaked messages, which suggested that Mercedes was compromising Hamilton’s season and putting him at risk, allegedly by someone within the team.
The emails also claimed that Mercedes was favoring George Russell due to rumors of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year.
Wolff clarified that the emails did not come from a Mercedes employee and criticized the sender as a “conspiracy theorist” and a “lunatic.”
He added, “It is especially distressing when we receive this kind of email, and we receive a multitude of them, especially when they discuss topics like death.”
During his stay in Barcelona last week, Wolff emphasized his determination to deal with the issue.
“I have instructed the police to thoroughly investigate this matter, to trace the IP address and phone number, because this kind of online abuse needs to stop,” he said.
“People cannot hide behind their phones or computers and subject teams or drivers to this kind of inappropriate treatment.”
The Northamptonshire Police confirmed, “On 12 June, the Northamptonshire Police received a report about an email that had circulated within the Mercedes AMG F1 team.
No criminal activity was found. However, advice was given regarding any future emails the team may receive.
Hamilton also defended Russell against online abuse, unaware of any negativity directed towards his teammate.
“George has consistently given his best effort every weekend and has delivered for the team, so he cannot be blamed,” Hamilton stated.
“Of course, there are always areas to improve within a team, and that comes through conversations and communication, which we are constantly working on.”
Prior to the race in Barcelona, Hamilton had only outperformed Russell once in nine qualifying attempts this season.
He had previously stated that he did not expect to outperform his teammate this season.
Wolff commented on the competition between his drivers, saying, “I believe he has always been motivated.
“The margins are so small.
“It can go one way or the other. I am pleased that it worked out for him [on Saturday].”
