Wolff rejects claims Mercedes favours Antonelli over Russell

Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has rejected what he says are accusations that the team favours Kimi Antonelli over George Russell. BBC Sport’s report, published on 9 October 2026 ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, quoted Wolff calling the suggestion “completely nonsensical” and saying Mercedes would always try to give both drivers equal opportunity. [1]

According to BBC Sport, Wolff called critics who accuse the team of bias against Russell “brainless”. BBC Sport also quoted Toto Wolff on abuse directed at him and Mercedes: “I’m Satan, I’ve heard.” In the comments quoted by BBC Sport, Wolff referred to critics without naming them. [1]

BBC Sport reported that Russell entered the Singapore weekend 86 points behind Antonelli and was due to start from the back of the grid after a penalty for using too many engine parts. The report also said Mercedes had split the specifications of its cars: Russell was using the previous version, while Antonelli had the newer one. BBC Sport quoted Wolff as saying: “We don’t know which one is going to be quicker.” [1]