{
  "id": 13130143,
  "title": "Wolff dismisses 'brainless' speculation of favouritism at Mercedes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/wolff-dismisses-brainless-speculation-of-favouritism-at-mercedes",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T14:01:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1551991/wolff-dismisses-brainless-speculation-favouritism-mercedes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mercedes Formula One boss Toto Wolff dismissed rumors of favoritism towards championship leader Kimi Antonelli, calling such critics \"brainless.\" Russell, now at the back of the grid after receiving a penalty, has a slim chance of winning the title due to his dwindling points lead over Antonelli, who has won eight races this season compared to Russell's three. The Singapore GP, where Russell will start at the back of the grid due to a penalty, will see Antonelli leading by 84 points. Wolff emphasized that favoritism is \"completely nonsensical\" and that he always strives for balance and transparency in his dealings with drivers. He recalled a conversation with Alain Prost about his rivalry with Ayrton Senna, stating that he took it upon himself to maintain a balanced team dynamic. This week, the team reverted Russell to an older car setup for Singapore, where he set the fastest time in Friday's practice session. Wolff expressed annoyance at the baseless accusations from \"lunatics\" who lack understanding of driver relationships, stressing that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are given equal opportunities.",
  "summary": "SINGAPORE: Mercedes Formula One boss Toto Wolff rubbished talk his team favours championship leader Kimi Antonelli, calling critics “brainless,” as stablemate George Russell’s title chances fade with a penalty putting him at the back of the grid in Singapore.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Mercedes boss Wolff slams 'brainless' claims team would favor Antonelli over Russell",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/mercedes-boss-wolff-slams-brainless-claims-team-would-favor-antonelli",
        "published": "2026-10-09T12:41:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Mercedes boss Wolff slams ‘brainless’ claims team would favor Antonelli over Russell",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/mercedes-boss-wolff-slams-brainless-claims-team-would-favor-antonelli-13120990",
        "published": "2026-10-09T12:41:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Mercedes critics think I'm Satan - Wolff",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/mercedes-critics-think-im-satan-wolff",
        "published": "2026-10-09T13:24:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Wolff dismisses ‘brainless’ speculation of favouritism at Mercedes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/wolff-dismisses-brainless-speculation-of-favouritism-at-mercedes-13132940",
        "published": "2026-10-09T13:48:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}