Wolff shoots down ridiculous Mercedes rumor

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There are always those who seek to diminish the merits of others. Mercedes' Toto Wolff rubbished a silly claim which has been making the rounds lately involving its Petronas fuel.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull suspects Mercedes is able to deliver a huge power boost for qualifying because it mixes oil with fuel.

But Mercedes AMG F1 boss Toto Wolff denies that the German manufacturer is resorting to any sorts of tricks associated with its fuel.

"We've never done it," he insisted.

"Even before the season starts, some teams are already seeing a lot of ghosts. It was always clear that oil cannot be in the fuel."

Mercedes supplier Petronas has however concocted a new mixture over the winter tailor-blended for the W08's V6 turbo hybrid power unit.

Obviously, the new Primax formulation is proprietary but Toto is right, fuel and oil don't blend. At least that's what we were taught in our chemistry class...

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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.