# Wolff calls claims of driver favouritism 'brainless'

> Mercedes team principal Wolff dismisses claims of favouring Antonelli over Russell as 'brainless' and 'nonsensical'.
- Title: Wolff calls claims of driver favouritism 'brainless'
- Summary: Mercedes team principal Wolff dismisses claims of favouring Antonelli over Russell as 'brainless' and 'nonsensical'. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says…
- Keywords: toto wolff, mercedes, kimi antonelli, george russell, formula 1, constructors championship, engine failure, sports, cars, Wolff, calls, claims
- Source: RaceFans — https://racefans.net/2026/10/09/claims-mercedes-favour-antonelli-over-russell-are-brainless-and-nonsensical-wolff
- Published: 2026-10-09T12:18:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: toto wolff, mercedes, kimi antonelli, george russell, formula 1, constructors championship, engine failure, sports, cars
## Wolff criticises driver favouritism claims
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff sharply criticised those who suggest his team is favouring one driver over the other.
## Antonelli leads Russell by 320 points
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has out-scored George Russell by 320 points to 236 so far this season.
## Russell faces engine failure setback
Russell’s fading championship hopes suffered a fresh blow in Malaysia when he suffered an engine failure.
## Wolff denies driver favouritism
Wolff made it clear he has no time for those who claim the team has prioritised Antonelli.
## Wolff calls claims 'brainless' and 'nonsensical'
Wolff said the claims are 'brainless', 'nonsensical', and 'completely nonsensical' with no basis in reality.
## Wolff explains equal treatment
Wolff emphasised both drivers believe there is no favouritism within the team, with equal opportunities for both.
## Team uses same car specification
The team is in an unusual situation this weekend as only one driver, Antonelli, is running their latest upgrade while Russell has reverted to the old car specification.
## Key takeaway

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says driver favouritism claims are 'brainless' and 'nonsensical' as he defends equal treatment between Antonelli and Russell.