Red Bull tells rivals to ’shove Mercedes star’

Reigning world champions Red Bull have told Mercedes to "shove that three-pointed star".

Last week, Mercedes argued in Paris that rival Red Bull’s appeal against the Melbourne disqualification actually deserved a three-race ban.

The FIA court did not agree, so to smooth the waters, Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda in China offered Red Bull a peace-offering in the form of a famous Austrian chocolate cake, a Sachertorte.

"He thinks everything is over with a cake," Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko hit back.

"I think the next time he wants to eat pasta with us, he should put on a bulletproof vest."

Marko is not the only unhappy bunny at Milton Keynes.

In an online column, the Red Bull ’spy’ this week said Mercedes’ push for a three-race ban was met with "a few pursed lips from our management".

"They’ve decided to rise above it and not comment," the spy added.

"But down here at the coalface you can be sure we’re telling out mates in the next garage along where they can shove that three-pointed star."