Toto Wolff qualifies as “insignificant and embarrassing” Red Bull’s protest against George Russell in Canada

In an unexpected turn after the vibrant victory of George Russell in the Canada Grand Prix, Formula 1 was once again the scene of tensions between two automobile giants: Mercedes and Red Bull. Toto Wolff, director of the Mercedes team, did not spare in words in describing Red Bull’s protest against Russell as “insignificant” and “simply embarrassing.” This confrontation, loaded with rivalry, has captured the attention of fans and promises to keep the drama in the center of the scene while the season advances towards its next stop in Austria.

The controversy began after the race in Montreal, where George Russell achieved an epic victory, surpassing the four times world champion, Max Verstappen. Red Bull, in a movement that surprised many, presented two protests against the Mercedes pilot. They alleged that Russell had driven erratically behind the security car and that he had shown unsportsmanlike behavior. In addition, they pointed out that the British maintained an excessive distance with the security car when leaving boxes, something that, according to them, violated the standards.

However, the commissioners of the race, after an exhaustive review that lasted for more than five hours, dismissed both accusations. The investigation determined that, although Russell stopped behind the security car, his driving was not erratic or dangerous. They also found no evidence that would support the accusation of unsportsmanlike behavior, discarding any deliberate attempt by Russell for provoking Verstappen to obtain an advantage. The decision was clear: Russell’s victory was legitimate, won with skill and strategy on the track.

Toto Wolff did not hide his frustration at what he considered an unnecessary maneuver by Red Bull. In his statements, he pointed out that the protest took two hours to be presented, which, according to him, reflects his lack of substance. Wolff criticized the “strange clauses” of the regulation invoked by Red Bull, describing them as “so unlikely” that the commissioners had no choice but to reject them. For the head of Mercedes, this action was not only a failed attempt to question Russell’s triumph, but also an episode that highlighted the rivalry between both teams. “George’s victory was fair, like many of which Red Bull has achieved in the past,” said Wolff, making it clear that he will not tolerate unjustified attacks against his pilot.

The Mercedes leader also questioned the concept of “unsportsmanlike behavior” used by Red Bull. “Who decides what that is?” He questioned, adding that he is convinced that a pilot like Verstappen, known for his competitiveness, would never resort to a protest for something so trivial. These words not only defend Russell, but also launch a dart to the Red Bull strategy, suggesting that their approach was more an emotional reaction than a baseing action.

For his part, Christian Horner, head of Red Bull, left in defense of his team. He argued that presenting the protest was a legitimate right, since they observed something they considered incorrect during the race. “We do not regret having done it,” said Horner, maintaining the position of his team despite the rejection of the commissioners. This is not the first time that Red Bull points to Russell this season. In the Miami Grand Prix, they also filed a complaint, claiming that the Mercedes pilot did not reduce the speed properly under yellow flag, a protest that, as in Canada, was dismissed.

Russell’s victory in Montreal marked Mercedes’s first win in ten races this season, a milestone that reinforces the team’s position in an increasingly competitive championship. The rivalry between Russell and Verstappen, two talents of different generations, remains a focal point in Formula 1, feeding headlines and debates among fans.

With the next Grand Prix in Austria, the Casa Bull Circuit, scheduled for June 29, 2025, the eyes of the world of motor racing will be placed in this duel. Can Mercedes maintain your impulse? Will Red Bull try to redeem yourself in your territory? The emotion is guaranteed, and the drama between these two teams promises to keep us on the edge of the seat. Do not miss what comes in this high -speed season!