Mercedes dismisses fuel legality rumors
Toto Wolff has forcefully denied rumors that Mercedes might use illegal fuel in 2026, calling the claims nonsense. The team's fuel is nearing FIA approval, and Wolff connected these rumors to a recently settled controversy over engine compression ratios, which is heading for a formal resolution next week.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has vehemently denied rumors that his team could start the 2026 season using non-homologated fuel, dismissing the speculation as "total bullshit" and the latest in a series of unfounded controversies. This comes as the team's fuel supplier, Petronas, completes the FIA's official certification process for its new products, with approval expected imminently.
Why it matters:
Accusations of technical non-compliance, especially regarding the power unit, are among the most serious in Formula 1 and can undermine a team's credibility and competitive legitimacy before a season even begins. For Mercedes, which is working to return to the front of the grid, battling perceptions of rule-bending is as critical as the technical development itself. The swift and angry rebuttal reflects the high stakes involved in pre-season narratives.
The details:
- Wolff angrily refuted the fuel rumors, linking them to earlier, now-debunked speculation about the team's engine compression ratios being illegal.
- The Race understands Mercedes' 2026 fuel is on course for FIA approval, with the formal sign-off procedure nearing completion.
- Testing vs. Racing Fuel: The fuel used by Mercedes and its customer teams in testing is chemically identical to the planned race fuel. The only permitted difference is that test fuel may contain components from uncertified supply chains, which must be swapped for certified sources for the racing fuel.
- Compression Ratio Controversy: The fuel rumors follow a winter of scrutiny over Mercedes' interpretation of the engine compression ratio rules. Rivals pushed for a new testing procedure to ensure compliance.
- A "Fair Game" Resolution: Wolff stated the team will not challenge new, agreed-upon testing methods. He framed the proposed solution—requiring the engine to be compliant both when hot and cold—as creating a "fair game for everyone," suggesting some rivals had sought a hot-only test to exploit a cold-state advantage.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to formal processes and on-track performance.
- The FIA's e-vote on the additional compression ratio testing method is scheduled for next week, which should formally close that particular controversy.
- Petronas' fuel homologation is expected to be finalized soon, allowing the team to put the rumors to rest.
- With these technical compliance debates nearing resolution, the true measure of Mercedes' and its rivals' 2026 preparations will finally be revealed on track, shifting the narrative from speculation to substance.
summary: Toto Wolff has forcefully denied rumors that Mercedes might use illegal fuel in 2026, calling the claims nonsense. The team's fuel is nearing FIA approval, and Wolff connected these rumors to a recently settled controversy over engine compression ratios, which is heading for a formal resolution next week. categories: [