Toto Wolff has defended some of F1’s so-called ‘pay drivers’, insisting their disparaging image is unfair. “Just name one driver who doesn’t deserve to be here this season,” the Mercedes team boss told motorsport-magazin.com. Pointing out Stroll’s various junior titles, he said: “I don’t think anyone can say that he doesn’t deserve to be here just because his father is a billionaire. “I think he actually suffers from that stigma and it’s just not right,” said Wolff. “It’s his first season,” Wolff insists, “and it’s nothing like ten years ago. “I think Nikita has been at the front in this Formula 2 season.

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