“Brainless!” – Formula 1 Dispute Between Mercedes and Red Bull Escalates
LAS VEGAS, NV – November 30, 2025 – A heated exchange has erupted between Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko following accusations of deliberate interference during the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix. wolff vehemently denounced Marko’s claims that Mercedes strategically hampered their driver, Kimi Antonelli, to benefit Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the championship fight.
The dispute centers on incidents during the race where Antonelli was overtaken by both McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and, later, Verstappen. Marko publicly suggested Mercedes intentionally allowed these passes, perhaps to influence the outcome of the drivers’ championship. Wolff responded with sharp criticism, calling Marko’s assertions “absolute nonsense” and questioning his judgment.The conflict underscores the intense rivalry between the two Formula 1 powerhouses as they battle for position in the Constructors’ Championship and sets the stage for further tension heading into the final races of the season.
“How can anyone be so brainless as to say something like that?” wolff stated, visibly frustrated. “We are fighting for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, and Kimi still had the possibility to finish third. These statements are incredibly irritating. The race itself was frustrating, antonelli’s mistake was frustrating, and then to have someone come up with such ridiculous claims…”
Wolff continued, dismissing the idea that Mercedes would compromise its own driver’s race for competitive advantage. “You can’t make it up.Kimi made a mistake, it happens. But why would we even consider interfering in the fight for the Drivers’ Championship? Perhaps he should get himself checked out; he seems to be seeing ghosts.”
Marko, though, remains steadfast in his assessment, pointing to multiple instances where Antonelli was passed. “Antonelli did it twice,” he asserted, referring to the overtakes.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, verstappen and Antonelli reportedly maintain a kind relationship outside of competition. The reigning champion has not yet publicly commented on the controversy. the FIA is not expected to investigate, as Marko’s claims are currently considered opinion rather than a formal accusation of rule-breaking.