Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has branded Red Bull “petty” and “embarrassing” after they launched a protest against George Russell.
Russell won his first race of the 2025 season in Canada on Sunday ahead of Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
The Brit won the race under the safety car after Lando Norris hit into the back of his team-mate Oscar Piastri.
While under the safety car, Red Bull alleged that Russell drove erratically, including a moment when he slammed on the brakes, allowing Verstappen to overtake his rival.
They also claimed Russell exceeded the permitted distance behind the car.
Red Bull insinuated that Russell lacked gamesmanship and made an attempt to goad Verstappen into committing an offence. The Dutch driver is one licence penalty away from receiving a ban.
The case was dismissed by the FIA, ensuring Russell’s victory stands.
Toto Wolff makes his feelings towards Mercedes well known
Speaking at the F1 movie premiere, Wolff told Sky Sports: “First of all, it took team Red Bull Racing two hours before they launched the protest, so that was in their doing.
“You know, honestly, it’s so petty and so small.
“They’ve done it in Miami. Now they launched two protests. They took one back because it was ridiculous.
“They come up with some weird clauses, what they call clauses. I guess the FIA needs to look at that because it’s so far-fetched it was rejected.
“You know, you race, you win and you lose on track. That was a fair victory for us, like so many they had in the past. And it’s just embarrassing.
“One they actually pulled as a protest, not even following it though because it was nonsense.
“The second one took us five hours there because I don’t even know what they referred to as unsportsmanlike behaviour. What is it all about? Why do you do that? Who decides it? I am 100% sure it’s not Max. He’s a racer and he wouldn’t go for a protest on such a trivial thing.”
George Russell to stay on at Mercedes?
It appears just a matter of time before Russell signs a new contract to extend his stay at Mercedes.
His current deal expires at the end of the F1 season. Wolff didn’t give much away when asked about Russell’s future, but did respond “It’s all on plan” regarding his contract negotiations.
Russell is currently fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, with the two McLaren drivers leading the pack. Verstappen is third while Lewis Hamilton is currently sixth.
The Austrian Grand Prix is next, and Russell is 8/1 to make it back-to-back wins.
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