Wolff defends Hamilton over Ecclestone publicity 'grenade'

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff laughed off Bernie Ecclestone's suggestion that Lewis Hamilton is "a bit tired" of Formula One as nothing more than a publicity "hand grenade".

While Hamilton declined to react to the former commercial supremo's comments, Wolff said he took them with a smile.

"All of us very much respect Bernie, but we have also learned to take the comments with a smile," said Wolff.

"Lewis is remarkably easy with these kinds of things - I think that he sees it pretty relaxed.

"Bernie comes in and throws a hand grenade and it's in the papers - it's great. It's Bernie's way - he got all of you here (into F1) and me, and he made the sport big.

"It's the off-track and on-track narrative and another thing to write about and talk about."