Photo: Race Pictures

Wolff warns what Formula 1 must not become amid engine 'trick' saga

15:01, 21 Feb

Updated: 15:25, 21 Feb

byTobia Elia

Toto Wolff questioned whether Formula 1 will remain a meritocracy if the engine compression ratio “trick” were to be banned.

“F1 is a meritocracy, and we don't want any balance of performance, and I think that philosophically we need to stick to it”

- Toto Wolff

Wolff still convinced Formula 1 is a meritocratic sport

The saga surrounding the Mercedes engine 'trick' had its newest chapter, as a meeting held in Bahrain between the FIA and power unit manufacturers to address the widely discussed compression-ratio debate led to a new proposal being introduced.

Under the suggested revision, from 1 August 2026 compliance with the compression ratio limit would need to be verified not only under ambient conditions, but also at a representative operating temperature of 130°C.

Speaking at the team principals' press conference during testing, the Austrian reiterated that Formula 1 should continue to be based on meritocracy rather than equalising rules for everyone, while expressing some frustration over what had happened.

Is Toto Wolff deliberately trying to draw attention to Red Bull?

Photo: Race Pictures

“F1 is a meritocracy, and we don't want any balance of performance, and I think that philosophically we need to stick to it.

"You've developed a component to the regulations, and that's been confirmed, and then everybody else games up and says it's illegal, the regulators being put under pressure, is that how it should go? Philosophically, I disagree, but that's what has happened the last 50 years in F1.

“This time we were on the receiving end, I guess next time maybe, you know, we will be gaining up against somebody else because we believe it's not right.”

Wolff reacts angrily to renewed scrutiny after rejecting 'utter bullshit' allegations

Wolff also firmly dismissed another rumour that has circulated around Mercedes in recent days, namely claims that Petronas fuel had not yet received homologation ahead of the start of the season.

The Mercedes boss rejected the speculation outright, describing it as another unfounded story following earlier accusations regarding the engine compression ratio, and criticised the spread of repeated claims targeting the team.

Read the full story here.

Poll