Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has hit back at suggestions the team favour Kimi Antonelli over George Russell this season, calling those who believe it "brainless" and telling them to watch Teletubbies and Mickey Mouse instead of Formula 1.
Antonelli has defied pre-season expectations to build an 84-point lead over Russell in the Drivers' Championship with just seven races remaining, including this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix. Wolff said the accusation was "completely nonsensical" and recalled similar criticism from Lewis Hamilton fans before the seven-time world champion left for Ferrari.
Russell will start from the back of the grid in Singapore after an engine failure in Malaysia forced him into taking a penalty. He has also confirmed he is likely to incur a further grid penalty before the season ends. Antonelli, 20, has also suffered reliability problems, with technical issues costing him significant points in Barcelona and at Silverstone.
Despite the setbacks, Mercedes are closing in on a first Constructors' title since 2021, holding a 151-point lead over Ferrari. Wolff questioned why the team would disadvantage either driver while fighting for the Constructors' Championship, stressing that Mercedes have always aimed to give everyone equal material. He suggested social media and online polarisation are driving the criticism, adding that he finds much of it amusing.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing