Toto Wolff Fires Back at Mercedes Fuel and Engine Allegations
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has launched a furious rebuttal against mounting speculation surrounding the team's engine and fuel systems, dismissing recent reports as "utter bullshit" and "nonsense." The outburst comes just one day after the FIA announced a potential mid-season rule change vote regarding Mercedes' power unit legality.
FIA Proposes Rule Change Vote
The controversy centers on allegations that Mercedes discovered a technical loophole allowing their engine to deliver higher performance when operating at optimal temperature. The FIA has scheduled a vote for Friday to determine whether regulation changes should be implemented starting in August, specifically addressing compression ratio limits that have dominated pre-season discussions.
Several rival teams including Ferrari, Red Bull, Honda, and Audi have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the Mercedes power unit, which is also supplied to customer teams like McLaren. The technical dispute has created significant tension within the Formula One paddock as teams prepare for the 2026 season opener in Melbourne next month.
Fuel Certification Questions Emerge
Adding to the controversy, reports have surfaced suggesting sustainable fuel manufacturer Petronas has yet to obtain necessary certification and homologation for the fuel that Mercedes-powered teams will use in the upcoming campaign. This has raised questions about whether Mercedes might face additional technical challenges before the season begins.
An exasperated Wolff told assembled reporters: "You know this is another of these stories. We were told compression ratio is something that we were illegal, which is total bullshit. Utter bullshit, and now the next story comes up that our fuel is illegal? I don't know where that comes from and it starts spinning again."
Epstein Files Remark Creates Shock
In a moment that stunned the media room, Wolff referenced the recently released Jeffrey Epstein documents, saying: "Maybe tomorrow we're inventing something else? I don't know, I've been on the Epstein files, God knows what." The Mercedes principal quickly attempted to backtrack, acknowledging: "You're not happy with me saying that, no? I was too young! What? Oh, yeah, I mustn't say that."
Regarding the fuel certification questions, Wolff insisted: "Another nonsense. This is a complicated topic and the process, and all of this, but there's just not... I can't even comment."
Wolff Remains Confident About Vote Outcome
Despite the brewing controversy, Wolff appeared measured when discussing the upcoming FIA vote. "For me, either way, it works. Either we stay with the regulations like we are or the vote goes ahead on Friday with the proposal that came from FIA. Both OK for us," he explained.
"We said it all along that this looks like a storm in a teacup, the whole thing. Numbers were coming up and if these numbers would have been through the roof, I absolutely understand why somebody would fight it, but eventually it's not worth the fight. It doesn't change anything for us, whether we stay like this or whether we change to the new regulations and that's been a process."
Rival Teams Respond to Controversy
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur addressed the uncertainty surrounding the situation: "First, we don't have a clear decision today. It means that it's quite difficult because we have to send the engine to Melbourne in two days' time now, so that's a challenge, but overall we have to trust the system."
McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed confidence in the governance process: "Ultimately, the governance of sport is very strong. It's passed all the tests so we're not worried about it. Whatever great engine Mercedes produces, we'll put in the back of our car and race with it."
The controversy continues to unfold as Formula One teams prepare for the 2026 season, with technical regulations and competitive fairness remaining at the forefront of discussions throughout the paddock.
