Wolff fumes at 'nonsense' but accepts F1 engine rule change

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reluctantly accepted a proposed mid-season rule change aimed at closing a perceived engine loophole, despite calling the controversy surrounding it "another nonsense." He stated Mercedes will be "good citizens" and not fight the change, even as he dismissed claims of illegal fuel as "utter bull***t."

Why it matters:

This dispute highlights the intense technical and political battles that precede new F1 regulations. The 2026 power unit rules are a clean-sheet design, and manufacturers are fiercely protecting their interpretations. Mercedes' decision to concede, despite believing it has done nothing wrong, avoids a potentially ugly protest at the season opener but underscores the pressure teams face from rivals and the governing body.

The details:

• The controversy centers on the compression ratio limit for the new 2026 engines, which was lowered from 18.0 to 16.0.
• Rivals (Ferrari, Red Bull, Honda, Audi) lobbied the FIA, arguing Mercedes could exploit a loophole because measurements were only required on a cold engine, potentially allowing a higher ratio when hot.
• The FIA has proposed a technical directive to require compliance at both cold and hot temperatures, effectively closing the loophole. It requires a vote before the Australian GP.
• Wolff called the issue a "storm in a teacup," insisting the performance difference is minimal and that Mercedes' original design was legal. He philosophically opposes mid-season changes but said, "what choice do we have?"
• Separately, Wolff angrily denied reports that Mercedes' fuel supplier, Petronas, is struggling to get its 2026 fuel homologated, labeling the story more "nonsense."

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the vote and the final pre-season test.

• The proposed rule change requires unanimous support from the four other engine manufacturers, F1, and the FIA to pass before Melbourne.
• With Mercedes not objecting, its adoption appears likely, aiming to level the playing field before the cars hit the track in anger.
• The final day of testing in Bahrain continues, with teams now also scrutinizing the fuel certification process amidst Wolff's vehement denials.