Source: REUTERS/Brian Snyder
[Saba Sports News] Another “tire controversy” erupted in the F1 paddock, with Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, openly siding with McLaren during the Miami Grand Prix, strongly supporting McLaren’s counterattack against Red Bull’s accusation of “cheating.” Wolff said bluntly, “The worst attitude when others are better than you is to slander them.” The controversy began at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Red Bull found traces of moisture on McLaren’s tire rims. Despite the exclusive supplier Pirelli confirming the tires complied with regulations, Red Bull persisted, reportedly even using thermal imaging to monitor McLaren’s tire cooling systems during pit stops. Wolff stated categorically that he fully believed in McLaren’s innocence, affirming that people like Zak Brown and Andrea Stella were upright individuals whose success stemmed entirely from technical breakthroughs. The Mercedes team leader further reflected by pointing to his own team’s past suspicions, admitting that McLaren simply understood tire management better than any other team. Some fans remarked that data doesn’t lie—McLaren has already clinched the top two podium spots three times this season and distanced themselves from Red Bull by over 30 seconds in the Miami race.