Wolff and Vasseur Engage in Verbal Sparring

Even off the track, things are heating up between the F1 top teams.

After Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had stated during the Spielberg Grand Prix that he was "somewhat surprised that Ferrari can bring these huge updates to the car so quickly". He was referring to the cost cap, which, in his opinion, Ferrari should have almost exhausted by now. "We can't afford something like that," he made clear.

Vasseur: "It's ironic that this comes from Toto and Mercedes"

Frédéric Vasseur, who was confronted with the Austrian's statements during the Silverstone Grand Prix, retorted: "I find it ironic that this comes from Toto and Mercedes. When Mercedes or Red Bull develop, they are geniuses. When we develop, then we are cheating. People need to calm down. We haven't brought more parts than Red Bull or others."

Toto Wolff himself also felt it was important to clarify his statements to "Sky". "I said that they will probably have to pull back on the updates at the end, because a lot has been added to the car just now. There's no talk of cheating. That's just a statement of facts," said the 54-year-old.

He also didn't want to overemphasize Frédéric Vasseur's reaction: "Fred can easily lose his temper, I know that's how it is, I've known him for 25 years."