Toto Wolff Calls 'Utter Bullsh*t' On Mercedes Critics -- Then Drops An Epstein Jab

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 19:37 IST

Restraint might be a virtue. But when it comes to defending Mercedes, Toto prefers the flamethrower.

We all know Toto Wolff doesn’t do quiet diplomacy.

But this time, amid a swirl of off-season speculation, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas boss may have let frustration get the better of him.

First came the “compression ratio" saga: whispers that Mercedes’ engine concept was skirting legality. Wolff dismissed that outright.

Now, a fresh rumour has surfaced: that Mercedes’ fuel supplier, Petronas, is racing against time to homologate its sustainable fuel ahead of the new Formula 1 season.

The implication? If certification isn’t secured, Mercedes-powered teams, including McLaren F1 Team, Williams Racing and Alpine F1 Team, could be forced to run a provisional fuel.

Wolff was having none of it.

Speaking at the team principals’ press conference at the Bahrain International Circuit, he didn’t mince words.

“This is another of these stories," Wolff said. “We were told the compression ratio is illegal, which is total bullshit, utter bullshit, and now the next story comes up that our fuel is illegal.

“I don’t know where that comes from, and it starts spinning again."

Then came the moment that raised eyebrows.

“Maybe tomorrow we’re inventing something else that I don’t know, has been on the Epstein files.

“Another nonsense. This is a complicated topic and the process and all of this, but there’s just not… I can’t even comment."

Yikes.

Wolff later appeared to recognise he may have overstepped with that comparison. But the irritation was unmistakable.

Mercedes have spent the winter battling both technical development and narrative battles. From engine legality rumours to fuel certification questions, the noise hasn’t stopped.

Whether justified or not, Wolff clearly feels his team is being targeted.

Restraint might be a virtue. But when it comes to defending Mercedes, Toto prefers the flamethrower.

News sports formula-one Toto Wolff Calls 'Utter Bullsh*t' On Mercedes Critics -- Then Drops An Epstein Jab

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