Wolff hits back at F1 compression ratio controversy: ‘Utter bullshit’

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Toto Wolff has dismissed Formula 1’s escalating compression ratio controversy as “a storm in a teacup”, insisting Mercedes has little appetite to continue a fight that has engulfed the paddock ahead of the 2026 season.

The dispute centres on a technical wrinkle buried deep within the new power unit regulations. While compression ratios were officially reduced from 18:1 to 16:1, Article C5.4.3 stipulates that only a static test at ambient temperature is used to measure compliance.

Mercedes identified a way to increase the ratio dynamically while the engine is running, before returning it to the permitted limit for testing.

That discovery triggered fury from rival manufacturers, with the group – which also includes Ferrari, Audi, Red Bull Ford and Honda – now poised to vote on a regulatory tweak that could alter how the ratio is measured, a change that could potentially be introduced during F1’s summer break.

'A Storm in a Teacup'

Speaking in Bahrain, Wolff was once again unmoved by the uproar.

“We said it all along that this looks like a storm in a teacup, the whole thing,” he said. “Numbers were coming up that were, you know, if these numbers would have been true, 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. But we also want to be good citizens in the sport because it doesn't make a big difference.”

The Austrian acknowledged philosophical differences but made clear Mercedes would not escalate matters.

“We then changed opinion. Philosophically, you can disagree with it, because I believe regs are there to be made and you keep the FIA close to you – and that's how it should be,” he added.

“But, if you have four other PU [manufacturers] that are putting immense pressure on the FIA at a certain stage, what choice do we have [other] than not to play? We were pretty comfortable in even having a protest going on Friday in Melbourne.

“Is this what we want?”

Fuel for the Fire

As if the compression row were not enough, fresh whispers have emerged regarding Mercedes’ Petronas fuel certification before Australia. Wolff swatted those aside too.

“This is another of these stories,” he said.

“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. Maybe tomorrow we'll invent something else.”

In a paddock already primed for 2026 upheaval, Wolff’s message is clear: Mercedes will race on – teacup firmly unspilled.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.