Police find no crime in email allegations of sabotage at Mercedes F1

Northamptonshire Police have found no criminal offenses in connection with an anonymous email accusing the Mercedes Formula 1 team of dangerous sabotage of Lewis Hamilton’s car.

Earlier this month, Mercedes, and in particular team boss Toto Wolff, were accused in an anonymous email of “systematic sabotage” of Hamilton’s car, his strategy and his mental health.

The email was sent to the same list of Formula 1 and media representatives who were forwarded alleged WhatsApp messages related to the Christian Horner controversy earlier this year.

During the Spanish GP weekend, Wolff denied suggestions that the email was true or came from one of his team members.

“It does not come from a member of the team,” Wolff said in Barcelona on Friday.

“When we get emails like that, and we get tons of them, it’s disturbing, especially when someone talks about death and all those things.”

Wolff announced that Mercedes had contacted the police to investigate the email and its origin.

“In this particular case, I have ordered that we proceed with all force,” Wolff added. “We have asked the police to investigate. We are investigating the IP address.”

“We are investigating the phone because this online abuse must stop. People cannot hide behind their phones or computers and abuse teams or drivers in this way.”

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

On Tuesday, however, the police said they had not found any criminal offenses, but had advised Mercedes how to proceed in the event of a repeat offense.

“Northamptonshire Police received a report on 12 June regarding an email circulating within the Mercedes AMG F1 team,” a Northamptonshire Police spokesman told the BBC.

“No criminal activity was identified. However, it was noted that the team may receive further emails.”

Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season and move to Ferrari.

Watch: Spanish GP race analysis – Why F1’s ‘fastest car’ couldn’t beat Verstappen