Toto Wolff pointed to the legality of Mercedes’ new engine and criticized rivals, telling them to “just get along” ahead of the 2026 F1 season.
Reports ahead of the new campaign, which begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, say Ferrari, Honda and Audi are concerned that pre-season title favorites Mercedes and Red Bull, which are producing their own power units for the first time, have established a performance advantage through a so-called “loophole” in the regulations.
The discussion focuses on compression ratio limits amid suggestions from rivals that both manufacturers may have found a way to achieve higher limits than those theoretically imposed by new regulations in 2026.
The compression ratio limit has been lowered from 18.0 in the previous ruleset to 16.0, but measurements are only taken when the engine is not operating at maximum temperature.
However, Mercedes was confident that its engines were legal and complied with FIA technical regulations, so Wolff took aim at rivals’ complaints and conduct over the issue.
The Mercedes team principal said: “I don’t understand how some teams can focus on other teams and continue to discuss a case that is very clear and transparent. Communication with the FIA has always been very positive.”
“It’s not just compression ratio, it’s about other things as well.
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George Russell and Kimi Antonelli reflect on Mercedes’ impressive performance at Barcelona Shakedown
“Especially in that area, it’s very clear what the regulations say. Even outside of F1, it’s very clear what the standard procedure is for motors.
“So, let’s all gather together.
“They just keep having secret meetings, sending secret letters, and trying to invent tests that don’t exist.”
“Maybe you want to find an excuse before you even start.”
Wolff said Mercedes, which completed a test-high 500 laps in its new car’s debut week at Shakedown in Barcelona, were simply focused on themselves.
“At least what we can say here is that we’re trying to minimize distractions and minimizing distractions means that even though it’s pretty clear what the regulators are saying and it’s also very clear what the FIA has been saying to us and what they’ve been saying to them, they’re looking at us more than anyone else,” Wolff added.
“But we’re all different. Maybe you want to find excuses for why things aren’t going well before you even start. So everyone needs to do it to the best of their ability.
“But that’s not really how we do things, especially after being told several times that it’s okay.
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Ted Kravitz, Craig Slater and Martin Brundle discuss Mercedes’ spooky test start in Barcelona
“It’s legal and that’s what the regulations say. But again, if someone wants to distract themselves and entertain themselves, everyone is free to do that.”
Mercedes is also satisfied with its position based on its conversations with the FIA, Wolff added: “The power unit is legal. The power unit corresponds to the way the regulations are written, the power unit corresponds to the way the checks are carried out.”
“The power unit corresponds to how these things are measured in other vehicles. And everything else I can’t judge. But that’s how we look at the world today.”
“That’s what the FIA said. That’s what the FIA president said. He knows a little bit about it. Let’s wait and see in that respect, but we feel strong.”
When will F1 Bahrain pre-season testing take place?
With the introduction of new regulations, a strong schedule of three separate test events is planned before the start of the 2026 season.
With the private Barcelona shakedown complete, F1 will next head to Bahrain for two ‘official’ pre-season tests, with media in attendance and live timing from the circuit available.
Bahrain will conduct two three-day tests on February 11-13 and 18-20.
When was your first F1 race?
The team will then have two weeks to prepare for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6th to 8th.
The first practice session of the season will take place on Friday, March 6th, followed by qualifying on Saturday, March 7th and the opening race on Sunday, March 8th.
Watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, including the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
