Toto Wolff: F1 compression ratio drama "a storm in a teacup"

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insisted that the System 1 compression ratio drama is “a storm in a teacup”, that means his crew was now not keen to struggle the backlash in opposition to their engine.

F1 energy models at the moment are a lot completely different because of the 2026 regulation change, and one of many alterations was made to the compression ratio, which was decreased from 18:1 to 16:1.

However Article C5.4.3 states {that a} static take a look at at ambient temperature is the one methodology of measuring it, so Mercedes discovered a method to enhance the ratio whereas the engine was operating earlier than returning to the restrict.

This sparked big fury from the opposite 4 energy unit producers, and on Wednesday, it was confirmed that they’re all set to vote on a proposed tweak to how the ratio is measured – doubtlessly coming into play by the summer season break.

It comes regardless of Wolff beforehand insisting that it solely makes a 2-3bhp distinction, although Crimson Bull world champion Max Verstappen claimed “you positively have so as to add a zero to that”.

When requested by Motorsport.com in regards to the matter on Thursday throughout Bahrain pre-season testing, Wolff replied: “We stated all of it alongside that this seems like a storm in a teacup, the entire thing.

“Numbers had been arising that had been, you already know, if these numbers would have been true, completely perceive why any person would struggle it. However ultimately, it is not well worth the struggle.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes

Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Photographs through Getty Photographs

“It would not change something for us, whether or not we keep like this or whether or not we alter to the brand new rules, and that is been a course of. However we additionally need to be good residents within the sport as a result of it would not make a giant distinction.

“We then modified opinion. Philosophically, you’ll be able to disagree with it, as a result of I imagine regs are there to be made and you retain the FIA near you – and that is the way it needs to be.

“However, in case you have 4 different PU [manufacturers] which can be placing immense strain on the FIA at a sure stage, what alternative do we’ve got [other] than to not play? We had been fairly snug in even having a protest happening Friday in Melbourne.

“Is that this what we would like?”

It’s not the one factor Mercedes has been within the information for although, as Motorsport.com reported on Tuesday that its Petronas gas is in a race in opposition to time to acquire certification forward of the Australian season opener on 6-8 March.

“That is one other of those tales,” stated Wolff, whose crew is the bookmakers’ favorite for each the constructors’ and drivers’ titles.

“We had been informed compression ratio is one thing that we had been unlawful, which is whole bullshit, utter bullshit. And now the subsequent story comes up that our gas is prohibited.

“I do not know the place that comes from and it begins spinning once more. Possibly tomorrow we’ll invent one thing else.”

Photographs from Bahrain Pre-Season Testing – Day 5

Lando Norris, McLaren