Mercedes chief Toto Wolff criticizes ‘nonsense’ discussions regarding F1 engine and fuel.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has responded to claims of a potential fuel issue, labeling them as “utter bulls—,” following the FIA’s suggestion of a midseason regulation change related to the team’s engine situation.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that a vote will be conducted to determine if a regulation amendment should be enforced starting in August, concerning the legality of Mercedes’ engine, which has been deemed to exploit a loophole that permits a higher output when the engine reaches its operating temperature.
The matter, which revolves around compression ratio restrictions, has been a significant topic during the preseason. Reports indicate that Ferrari, Red Bull, Honda, and Audi are dissatisfied with the engine, which can also be utilized by other F1 teams, such as McLaren, that receive engines from Mercedes.
Nonetheless, another “storm in a teacup” has emerged around Mercedes in the past day, focusing on a possible fuel issue for the 2026 season opener in Melbourne next month.
It has been reported that sustainable fuel producer Petronas has yet to secure certification and homologation for the eco-friendly fuel that teams powered by Mercedes will utilize in the forthcoming season.
A visibly frustrated Wolff stated at a press conference: “You know this is another one of these stories. We were informed that the compression ratio was illegal, which is total bulls—. Utter bulls— and now the next story arises that our fuel is illegal?
“I have no idea where that originates, and it starts to gain traction again. Perhaps tomorrow we will be creating something else?”
Regarding the alleged fuel issue, Wolff asserted: “Another absurdity. This is a complex subject and the process involved, but there’s just not … I can’t even comment.”
The Mercedes principal took a more composed stance on the possibility of a vote unfavorable to them regarding their engine’s legality on Friday.
“For me, either outcome is acceptable. We can either maintain the current regulations or proceed with the vote on Friday regarding the proposal from the FIA. Both options are fine for us,” Wolff remarked.
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“We have consistently stated that this appears to be a storm in a teacup, the entire situation.
“Numbers were being reported, and if those figures had been excessively high, I would completely understand why someone would contest it, but ultimately it’s not worth the dispute.
“It does not alter anything for us, whether we remain as we are or transition to the new regulations, and that has been a process.”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur commented: “First, we do not have a definitive decision today. This makes it quite challenging as we need to send the engine to Melbourne in two days, so that is a challenge, but overall we must trust the system.”
McLaren chief Zak Brown added: “Ultimately, the governance of the sport is very robust. It has passed all the necessary evaluations, so we are not concerned. Whatever excellent engine Mercedes develops, we will install in the back of our car and race with it.”
Source: espn.com
