Mercedes under attack, Toto Wolff assures: "All legal"

During the winter, the Formula 1 has been at the center of discussions over the Mercedes and its power unit. Some teams have raised doubts about the so-called “case” of the compression ratio, which some rivals considered a possible advantage for the Anglo-German engine. Although the FIA has confirmed that everything is legal, some teams continue to criticize Mercedes and there is even talk of possible complaints already for the Melbourne Grand Prix.

Responsing to the accusations was Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal. “I struggle to understand why some teams prefer to focus on others instead of working on their own project” said the Austrian manager, stressing that the dialogue with the FIA has been clear and constant from the beginning. Wolff explained that the checks do not only concern the compression ratio, but many technical aspects, all of which are precisely regulated.

Wolff reiterated that the power unit is fully compliant with the rules, not only in Formula 1 but also according to broader technical standards. The FIA and its president confirmed the legality of the engine. The team principal also clarified that the Federation was always informed and updated on every detail of the power unit, thus removing any doubts about the transparency of the procedures adopted by Mercedes.

Finally, Wolff noted that not all teams behave like Mercedes and that his team certainly would not have acted that way. According to him, some rivals seem to be making excuses before they even get on the track so that they have an alibi in case things do not go as hoped. He stressed that if a component is legal, it is not the other teams that determine that, but the regulations themselves.