The rivalry between Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari saw a souring of relations between their team principals. However, before the start of the 2023 season, the Prancing Horse’s management made a major change at the very top. They replaced Mattia Binotto with Frederic Vasseur after a season that saw their drivers regularly fall prey to faulty strategies. Turns out the new Ferrari boss shares a great camaraderie with his Mercedes counterpart, Toto Wolff. Fans found that out after the conclusion of the qualifying in Bahrain yesterday when Toto played a harmless prank on Fred during an interview.

Years changed, seasons changed, and cars changed, but Mercedes and Ferrari’s fate didn’t. After all the pre-season hype, drivers hit the tarmac for the qualification for the first race of the year. However, just like last year, both teams were left chasing Red Bull. While Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz locked the 2nd row on the grid, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell fared much worse, managing only P6 and P7.

Fans demand a Binotto-Steiner-like DTS episode for Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur

Fred was busy in a post-qualifying interview when Toto came from behind to tickle his ear and run away. Interviewer Will Buxton told him it was Wolff to which Vasseur hilariously replied, “There is only one stupido in the paddock that want to do something like this.”

Have a look at how fans reacted to the hilarious bonding moment between the two team principals.

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Some fans (jokingly) wanted FIA to get involved and penalize Mercedes for their boss’ action.

One fan who saw Fred leaving the Mercedes garage wondered whether the two teams were cooking something up to stop Red Bull’s might.

Some, again jokingly, equated Wolff’s actions to be too extreme.

Here’s a little transcript of what Fred said during the interview about Toto and his playful shenanigans.

Later, when it was Toto’s turn to appear for the interview, he remembered when Fred had an embarrassing moment during his wedding. Yes, the man ate a plastic flower, taking it to be a real one. But who eats flowers, really? Fred has some questions to answer after Toto’s allegations.

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Do you think the unexpected bond between the two bosses of Red Bull’s rivals could result in a partnership that could halt their juggernaut?