‘Get your s**t together’: Wolff hits out at rivals over Mercedes power unit claims

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has delivered a blunt message to rival Formula 1 manufacturers amid growing suspicions over a perceived power unit loophole, telling competitors to “get your s**t together.”

Mercedes, alongside the Red Bull–Ford power unit project, has found itself under scrutiny from rival manufacturers ahead of the new season, with concerns raised over how the upcoming 50–50 hybrid engines have been interpreted within the regulations.

At the centre of the debate is a regulation stating that compression ratios must be set at 16:1 in ambient temperatures. While other temperature ranges are not explicitly defined, both Mercedes and Red Bull have interpreted the rulebook as allowing higher compression ratios in hotter conditions, a position that has prompted pushback from competitors.

Red Bull publicly defended its stance during its launch last month, and Wolff was equally uncompromising when speaking to the media ahead of Mercedes’ 2026 season launch. He insisted the power unit is fully compliant, stating it “is legal” and “corresponds to how the regulations are written.”

The Austrian admitted frustration at the continued focus on the issue from rival teams.

“I just don’t understand why some teams concentrate more on others and keep arguing a case that is very clear and transparent,” Wolff said. “Communication with the FIA has been very positive all along. It’s not only about the compression ratio, but other areas as well.

“And specifically in that area, it’s very clear what the regulations say. The standard procedures are well defined, whether it’s Formula 1 engines or motors outside of F1.”

From F1 news to tech, history to opinions, F1 Chronicle has a free Substack. To deliver the stories you want straight to your inbox, click here.

For more F1 news and videos, follow us on Microsoft Start.

New to Formula 1? Check out our Glossary of F1 Terms, and our Beginners Guide to Formula 1 to fast-track your F1 knowledge.

Written by

James Rees

A passionate motorsport journalist from Wales, with over 30 years of love for the sport. A dedicated father of three, working as a content manager, covering the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and IndyCar.

More articles by James Rees →