Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has launched a scathing attack on Red Bull, describing their protest against George Russell's Canadian Grand Prix victory as "petty" and "embarrassing".
The German executive's comments came during the New York premiere of F1, starring Brad Pitt, where he criticised Red Bull's decision to challenge Russell's maiden win of the season.
Russell secured Mercedes' first victory of 2025 when the race concluded under safety car conditions, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen after Lando Norris collided with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri on the pit straight with four laps remaining.
The protest, which accused Russell of driving "erratically" behind the safety car and displaying "unsportsmanlike behaviour", was ultimately dismissed by race stewards.
Toto Wolff has called Red Bull embarrassing
GettyRed Bull filed their complaint approximately two hours after the chequered flag, alleging that Russell had breached regulations whilst following the safety car.
"First of all, it took team Red Bull Racing two hours before they launched the protest, so that was in their doing," Wolff told Sky Sports at the film premiere.
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The protest centred on claims that Russell had driven in an erratic manner behind the safety car and demonstrated unsporting conduct during the closing stages of the race.
However, FIA stewards examined the evidence and rejected Red Bull's challenge, confirming Russell's victory stood.
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George Russell was not happy with how Red Bull acted post-race
GettyThe incident marks the latest flashpoint in an increasingly fractious relationship between the two teams during the 2025 season.
Wolff did not hold back in his assessment of Red Bull's tactics, suggesting they had resorted to desperate measures to overturn a legitimate result.
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"It's so petty and so small. 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," the Mercedes chief said.
He emphasised that racing victories should be determined on track rather than through protests.
Christian Horner defended his teams actions
Reuters"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," Wolff added.
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