Toto Wolff has had enough of all the rumours surrounding the Mercedes team. His squad is not only accused of having found a way to raise the engine’s compression ratio, and reportedly the Petronas fuel is still not homologated. “Maybe they’ll make up something else tomorrow,” Wolff responded. “God knows what — maybe I’m in the Epstein files…”
The Mercedes team has been a favourite subject of speculation during the 2026 pre‑season. For some time there have been rumours that the Silver Arrows have found a method to increase the power unit’s compression ratio. In addition, Mercedes’ Petronas fuel is reportedly not yet homologated. Toto Wolff says in Bahrain he’s completely fed up with all the speculation.
“They said our engine was illegal, which is total bullshit,” the team principal told media in Bahrain. “And now the story is that our fuel is illegal. I don’t know where that comes from. Maybe they’ll dream up something else tomorrow. God knows what — maybe I’m in the Epstein files…” The Austrian immediately looked at his press officer after that remark. “You probably aren’t happy that I’m saying this,” Wolff added straight away. “More nonsense. It’s a tricky subject, but I can’t even say anything sensible about it.”
Storm in a teacup
According to the team principal, all the stories circulating about the Mercedes engine are nothing more than a storm in a teacup. “And it doesn’t make that much difference. From August measurements will be taken in a static state and when the engine is hot,” Wolff said, referring to the e-vote currently being held by the Power Unit Advisory Committee (PUAC). The five engine manufacturers can thus vote on a potential amendment to the engine regulations. “Others perhaps only wanted measurements when it was hot. Now it’s fair for everyone.”
